Arbor’s ‘vegetarian rocket engine’ power plant is actually an omnivore

TechCrunch
TechCrunch
2M ago
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Arbor Energy secured $55 million to enhance its carbon capture power plant by incorporating natural gas alongside biomass. This shift is crucial as it addresses rising electricity demands while aiming to reduce CO2 emissions.
Arbor’s ‘vegetarian rocket engine’ power plant is actually an omnivore
A What happened
Arbor Energy, a startup founded by former SpaceX engineers, has announced a $55 million Series A funding round led by Lowercarbon Capital and Voyager Ventures. The company is pivoting its power plant design to burn both biomass and natural gas, addressing the growing electricity demand from data centers. While the plant was initially designed to operate solely on plant waste, the inclusion of natural gas allows for a more reliable energy source. Arbor Energy's technology captures CO2 through oxy-combustion, making it easier to sequester the emissions. However, the use of natural gas raises concerns about methane leakage, which can significantly impact climate change. Arbor is working with certified low-leakage natural gas providers to minimize this risk. The company is also constructing a biomass-burning plant in Louisiana, funded partly by a $41 million deal with Frontier, which requires the removal of 116,000 tons of CO2 by 2030.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Funding for Climate Solutions: Arbor Energy's $55 million funding highlights investor interest in carbon capture technologies.

  • 2

    Natural Gas Considerations: The shift to natural gas raises concerns about methane emissions and their climate impact.

  • 3

    Electricity Demand Growth: Increased demand from data centers drives the need for innovative energy solutions.

Takeaways

Arbor Energy's funding and strategic pivot to include natural gas in its carbon capture power plant reflect a growing trend in addressing energy demands while tackling climate change. The effectiveness of this approach will depend on managing methane emissions and ensuring sustainable practices.

Topics

Climate & Environment Climate Sustainability Energy