Switzerland’s Crosstown H2R, a climate tech startup that emerged from stealth mode, has announced funding and partnerships with Switzerland-based Sulzer and Finland’s Fortum.
This collaboration aims to facilitate the transformation of gas power plants into zero-carbon energy producers.
Crosstown has secured €2M in subsidies and grants from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and other investors to advance its proprietary technology.
Decarbonising gas turbines
Founded in 2022 and based in Baden (Switzerland), Crosstown aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy with “disruptive” and transitional “hybrid” technologies.
The technology targets eliminating CO2 emissions from gas turbines in Europe, extending their lifespans while operating with low or zero carbon. Crosstown’s strategy aims to reduce Europe’s reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of global economic and political instability.
The company claims to have developed the first Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)-compliant zero-carbon burner for gas turbines, offering power generation with carbon-free technology.
This innovation addresses the environmental impact of NOx emissions while advancing sustainable energy solutions. NOx emissions are an indirect greenhouse gas contributing to ozone formation.
S. Manoj Harasgama, founder and co-CEO of Crosstown, says, “I strongly believe that we will only truly solve the global climate crisis by building new hardware approaches to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gases.”
“We’re thrilled to join forces with such renowned clients and go-to-market partners to get this product to market faster and support our mission of creating a sustainable world today.”
Crosstown’s technology
The Crosstown Burner (H2R) achieves gas turbine decarbonisation and meets stringent international emissions standards, including ultra-low NOx requirements.
As NOx regulations in Europe and the US take effect in 2025, many gas turbines and power plants will need to transition to compliant technologies.
Converting gas turbines to operate on hydrogen or other low-/zero-carbon fuels using Crosstown’s technology can eliminate the approximately 300,000 tons of CO2 emissions emitted annually by a single 100 MW gas turbine, even when operating at only 50 per cent capacity.
The company’s technology is independently tested and proven. The latest generation of burners has passed TRL7 testing and will be installed in numerous turbines belonging to Sulzer and Fortum as part of collaborative efforts starting in 2024.
Partnership with Sulzer
Sulzer’s technologies enable carbon reduction, polymer development, recycling of plastic waste and textiles, and efficient power storage. Currently, the firm has 180 global manufacturing facilities and service centers.
Crosstown’s partnership with Sulzer accelerates the market entry of its zero-carbon burners. This collaboration unlocks access to over 3,500 gas turbines in Europe and tens of thousands more globally, facilitating a rapid response to pressing climate challenges.
Tim Schulten, Division President of Sulzer Services, says, “At Sulzer, we are committed to providing cutting-edge alternatives for gas turbine operators. Our collaboration with Crosstown underscores our dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology.”
“By leading this development, we empower our customers to transition to zero carbon operations, without the need for complete and expensive engine replacements.”
Agreement with Fortum
Fortum is a Nordic energy company that aims to power a sustainable world through clean energy production, and decarbonisation initiatives, and ensure reliable electricity and district heat supply in the region.
Fortum and Crosstown are joining forces to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in the power sector. Through this partnership, Fortum’s customers can utilise Crosstown’s Hydrogen Renewal (H2R) multi-fuel burner, aiming to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Vesa Kylmälä, MD of Fortum TGS, says, “We have closely followed Crosstown’s progress over the last two years and know they have the only ultra-low NOx and zero-carbon capable burner. Therefore, we are excited to work with Crosstown and offer the best solutions to our customers.”
“With our landmark agreement, Fortum TGS intends to offer conversion options for all gas turbine asset operators in our market and customer portfolio.”
01
Job board for modern workforce: How Remote Talent helps jobseekers find truly remote, distributed work