KAP Insight Pulse #8

Dear Readers,

As we transition from the warmth of summer to cooler days, August has been a month of both challenges and breakthroughs in the climate world. From record-breaking heatwaves in Southern Europe to powerful calls for action at the Pacific Islands Forum, the urgency of addressing climate change has never been clearer.

But it's not just about the challenges—there's also been remarkable progress. The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to this transition by investing ￡1.8 billion in upgrading ports for green infrastructure and boosting offshore wind energy. This investment underscores the UK's dedication to driving growth in the renewable energy sector and facilitating the transition to a net-zero economy.

In line with this commitment, innovative companies are making tangible progress. GT Wings, for example, is pioneering the decarbonization of the shipping industry with its AirWing? technology. By reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption, GT Wings is not only helping maritime companies meet stringent regulatory targets, but are also demonstrating how innovative engineering can deliver both environmental and economic benefits.

For investors, these developments underscore the growing profitability of sustainable technologies. For founders, the opportunities to innovate and scale have never been greater. Whether it's integrating AI into renewable energy grids or pioneering new methods of carbon capture, the potential for impact—and return on investment—is substantial.

As always, we at Kantar Advisory Partners are committed to keeping you informed and inspired. This issue of KAP Insight Pulse highlights the latest in climate tech and policy, offering insights into the innovations driving us toward a more sustainable future.

Warm regards,

Amina Sundby Merkebawi

Co-Founder, KAP

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Sustainability News

Innovation Offers Hope: Challenges in Achieving Net Zero in Shipping

The global shipping industry, responsible for around 3% of greenhouse gas emissions, faces significant challenges in its journey toward net-zero emissions by 2050. Despite the UK government's commitment to green infrastructure and alternative fuels, progress is hindered by regulatory hurdles and high costs.

Amidst these challenges, innovation offers hope. For instance, GT Wings' AirWing, a wind assist propulsion technology, promises over 8% fuel savings—a crucial step toward greener shipping. While the path to decarbonisation is complex, continued innovation and strategic investments can help the industry achieve a more sustainable future.

A new gold rush: natural hydrogen, a carbon-free fuel

Hydrogen energy is seen as a key player in decarbonization across various industries. Among the types of hydrogen fuel, natural hydrogen, or "gold hydrogen," stands out due to its potential as a carbon-free energy source. Discovered in Mali 37 years ago, natural hydrogen has powered the local community and sparked global interest. However, questions remain about its economic viability and environmental impact, especially concerning storage costs and potential atmospheric effects.

Global interest in natural hydrogen is growing, with countries like the United States and France investing in exploration. In South Australia, a new hydrogen rush is underway following the rediscovery of a significant reserve near Adelaide.

H2au, a client of KAP, is leading efforts in natural hydrogen exploration. The company, leveraging its experience in oil and gas and mining industries, is identifying key reservoirs and advocating for hydrogen as a long-term, CO2-free solution for industries like shipping and manufacturing. Keep an eye on KAP’s channels for more updates on H2au’s work!

KAP Pulse

In August 2024, the Kantar Advisory Partners (KAP) team and Jaymish Patel, co-founder and CEO of Biofuel Evolution, visited University College London (UCL) for an engaging lab visit. Together, they met with the UCL team for a comprehensive tour of the Biochemical and Chemical Engineering Departments, where they explored the innovative research and facilities available relevant for Biofuel Evolution’s innovative development.

During the visit, discussions centred around the strategic partnership between KAP, Biofuel Evolution, and UCL, focusing on exciting future initiatives aimed at driving sustainability and innovation in the biofuel sector.?

Many thanks? to Leonardo Rios Solis, George Manos, and Hussam Bahlouli for kindly accommodating our visit and taking their time so we can experience a fascinating tour around their facilities.?

Jaymish, CEO and Co-founder of Biofuel Evolution, quotes about the visit: “I'd like to thank Dr George Manos, Dr Leonardo Rios Solis and Hussam Bahlouli for hosting BE and kap at UCL and for giving us an in-depth tour of their impressive facilities.?

Scaling and deploying innovation relies on the power of collaboration with the right people (talent) and partners. So, we are extremely proud to be collaborating with an esteemed academic partner in UCL and look forward to embarking on upcoming innovation projects with them.”

Linkedin post from the visit:?

https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7232037965755994115?

Client Spotlight

GT Wings

GT Wings, a new client of KAP, is leading the decarbonization of the shipping industry with innovative wind propulsion technology. As global regulations increasingly target maritime emissions, GT Wings is at the forefront with their flagship product, the AirWing?, which reduces carbon emissions and fuel consumption. This technology can be integrated into various vessels, offering significant fuel savings and promoting maritime sustainability.

Earlier this year, GT Wings received a grant through Innovate UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, recognizing their leadership in clean maritime technology. Their first installation of the AirWing? is set for Q4 2024 on a UK-flagged cargo vessel, with expected significant reductions in fuel use and carbon emissions.

KAP is excited to support GT Wings in their sustained growth and the upcoming launch of their groundbreaking technology.

Linkedin post: https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7234144853608009729

BEBlock update

KAP is thrilled to share that our client Biofuel Evolution has been spotlighted as a Rising Star by StartUs Insights, placing the company in the top 1% of innovative startups globally! Their trademark solution, BEBlock, is a decentralised waste-management system that uses novel biological engineering technologies to convert food waste and CO2 into biofuels and bioenergy tailored for local communities and organisations in the process industries.?

Read more about this exciting recognition, highlighting Biofuel Evolution’s incredible forward thinking technologies here:? https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7234884313454972928

Partner Highlights

Ayming

We are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Ayming. With this partnership, the door is now open for our network to explore their R&D Tax Credit claims.

Following recent changes and tighter regulations to the R&D Tax Credit scheme by HMRC, the likelihood of enquiries has increased, making it important to produce robust claims.

Ayming are a global innovation funding consultancy with specialists who will review your current claim process and offer advice if value could be added.

They work with 20,000 companies annually, helping them optimise their tax position through maximising their R&D Tax Credit returns. Some of the businesses they work with include: Lightsource BP, Centrica, Plastic Energy, and Exurban, and maintain a staggering client retention rate of 96% across the board.

If you would be interested in engaging with them, please reach out to Luisa Howell at [email protected]

Global African Hydrogen Summit?

Our KAP team was in Namibia for our partnered event, the Global African Hydrogen Summit. Our Managing Director, Mohamad Kantar, sat on the Investor Roundtable for the event, giving us a clear view of hydrogen innovation in Africa. There were dozens of incredible innovators showcasing their technologies in exploring the hydrogen sector, from natural hydrogen exploration, such as our client, H2Au, to innovative technologies including CSP, thermal storage, and green hydrogen production, such as our client, Improved Energy. This summit demonstrated extreme significance in unlocking the hydrogen sector, with investors and partners exploring new methods of mitigating obstacles to cleaner and more sustainable energy. Stay updated on what happened at the summit, including speakers and exhibitions, through the GAHS2 LinkedIn page.

Investors Corner

H2Au

One of our recent clients, H2Au, are raising a Series A round worth $5.4m (50% of which is already subscribed). This round will fund the second stage of their development and that is executing field work and digging their first well for natural hydrogen exploration. H2Au currently have licences to explore in the USA and several parts of Africa, making their portfolio span across regions with a drive for natural hydrogen exploration through policy implementation and increased investment in hydrogen.?

Contact us if you’re interested to know more about H2Au, their portfolio, and their investment round.?

Events Spotlight

On the 11th September 2024, in partnership with the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, we hosted our 'Innovate for Sustainability: Energy, Water, and Food Security' event, hosted by Sarah Russis. This event explored the critical interconnection between energy, water, food security, and waste management—issues that are increasingly critical in our world of growing environmental challenges. With partners like the Energy Innovation Agency and Cambridge CleanTech, we brought together leading innovators to discuss cutting-edge solutions. Look out for a brief on our event in our next edition!