UK-based WASE raises €9.9M to scale its waste-to-energy technology: Know more

Bristol-based WASE, a startup that aims to accelerate sustainable waste and energy innovation, announced that it has secured over £8.5M (approximately €9.91M) in funding, including £2.4M (approximately €2.79M) in non-dilutive support.

This capital influx will facilitate WASE’s expansion efforts, enabling them to fulfil signed contracts, advance projects in their pipeline, and enhance their product range.

Investors supporting WASE

Berlin-based climate-first VC firm Extantia Capital led the financing round, with participation from Hitachi Ventures, WEPA Ventures, the family VC firm of the European family business WEPA, and Engie New Ventures, the CVC arm of the global energy company Engie. 

Other investors include Elbow Beach Capital and Empirical Ventures.

Carlota Ochoa Neven Du Mont, Principal at Extantia, says, “We strongly believe that biogas and biomethane will soon be a key source of renewables and will make up a growing percentage of the energy mix.”

“WASE’s approach doesn’t just increase biogas and biomethane yields from the AD process, making it more profitable and productive, it is reshaping the way industrial businesses are thinking about their resources.”

“We think their cutting-edge technology, the know-how they have built-in commercialising their wastewater solutions, their existing supplier relationships, and their capital-efficient approach positions them well ahead of competitors in this space – and we’re delighted to support them.”

Unlocking the power of waste

Founded in 2017 by Dr. Thomas Fudge and Llŷr Anwyl, WASE accelerates sustainable waste and energy innovation for a greener future. 

The company claims that its Electro-Methanogenic Reactor (EMR) technology stands out for its versatility and efficiency in converting biomass and organic matter into biogas.

Operating within anaerobic digestion (AD) plants and wastewater treatment, WASE’s units boost biogas production, accelerating the process by up to 10 times and increasing output by 30 per cent. 

Moreover, they elevate the methane content of biogas to over 80 per cent, surpassing conventional AD systems where methane levels typically range from 50-60 per cent. 

WASE’s plug-and-play system integrates into existing infrastructure while occupying 50-70 per cent less space than conventional alternatives. 

The modular design enables customisation, simplifying deployment for companies and resulting in heightened energy production and reduced long-term costs.

WASE collaborates with food and beverage companies like Hepworth and St. Peter’s Brewery to convert wastewater into renewable energy, meeting tightening regulations and reducing costs.

Founder Fudge says, “We want our technology to set a new standard in the waste treatment and energy sectors, by not only optimising waste breakdown but by boosting methane production across the board.”

“We’re seeing a future of Waste-to-Energy that maximises economic and environmental benefits for all players involved, and we aim to play a major part in this transition by becoming leaders in the biogas market.”

“Extantia and ENGIE, who deeply understand this sector, and all the investors supporting us in this round, will be invaluable resources to help us achieve this.”

Camille Bonenfant-Jeanneney, MD of ENGIE Renewable Gases Europe, adds, “ENGIE has the ambition to develop 10 TWh per year of biomethane production capacity in Europe by 2030. We want to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen Europe’s sovereignty.”

“This participation into WASE is a concrete step to deploy innovative technology onto the market and to allow greater efficiency and competitiveness.”