Rivan develops vertically integrated synthetic fuel plants that produce synthetic natural gas (SNG) using solar-powered carbon capture, water electrolysis, and a Sabatier reactor. Their 1 MW systems cost under £150,000, operate autonomously for over 30 years, and deliver 99.9% pure SNG as a drop‑in replacement for fossil gas, achieving more than 30% net efficiency.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Fossil natural gas supply relies on finite resources and emits CO₂, while existing renewable energy storage solutions struggle to provide continuous, high‑temperature heat or power for industrial and heating applications. This creates a gap between intermittent renewable generation and the constant demand for gas‑based energy.
Solution
Rivan manufactures synthetic natural gas (SNG) that can replace fossil gas directly in current infrastructure. The company integrates calcium‑looping direct air capture, alkaline water electrolysis, and a Sabatier reactor to convert captured CO₂ and renewable‑generated H₂ into 99.9 % pure methane. Their modular 1 MW plants are designed for low capital cost (under £150 k), autonomous operation over a decade, and net efficiencies above 30 %. By producing SNG on‑site with solar power, Rivan enables a continuous, carbon‑neutral gas supply without modifying existing pipelines or end‑use equipment.
Target Audience
Primary customers are utility companies, industrial gas users, and large‑scale heating or power facilities seeking a carbon‑neutral substitute for natural gas without retrofitting existing infrastructure.
Features
- Calcium‑looping DAC unit that captures CO₂ directly from ambient air with high purity feedstock
- Alkaline water electrolyser powered by solar PV to generate hydrogen at low cost
- Sabatier reactor that combines captured CO₂ and electrolytic H₂ to synthesize methane with 99.9 % purity
- Fully modular 1 MW system with a total capex below £150 k, designed for plug‑and‑play deployment
- Autonomous control architecture allowing >10 year continuous operation with minimal human intervention
- Net system efficiency exceeding 30 % from solar electricity to delivered SNG
- Drop‑in compatibility with existing natural gas pipelines, storage, and combustion equipment