First Graphene Ltd (ASX:FGR, OTCQB:FGPHF) has welcomed the opportunity to jointly develop and market a unique heating device using its PureGRAPH® graphene with UK-based ZEBCO Heating Ltd, which could be the precursor to enter the global heating market.
The parties have signed a joint development agreement (JDA) to develop the device, which is suitable for new installations or retrofitted into existing domestic and commercial heater systems.
ZEBCO has secured an initial $87,000 grant from Innovate UK’s Fast Start Innovation Fund to fund feasibility studies and develop a proof-of-concept unit within the next six months.
The device is expected to deliver energy efficiency savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and be an enabler to more resilient and secure domestic heating supply.
Important step
First Graphene managing director and chief executive officer Michael Bell said: “This agreement with ZEBCO is an important step towards improved gas-energy efficiency, at a time when global natural gas supplies are under incredible pressure.
“The technology is reliant upon the unique thermal properties of our PureGRAPH® products. The science is proven and the focus is now on rapid development of a working prototype for evaluation and commercialisation with leading players in the heating and utilities sector.
"This technology presents yet another application for First Graphene’s diversified opportunity pipeline.”
Patent protected
The graphene-enabled heating is expected to improve natural gas usage by 20-30% over current domestic boilers.
Also, because of the nature of the device, nitrous oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide emissions are reduced or eliminated, which is important considering NOx has a Global Warming Potential Factor that is 300 times higher than carbon dioxide.
The device is also compatible with hydrogen gas as a fuel source, which makes it a key enabler for the growing hydrogen economy.
First Graphene and ZEBCO have already initiated discussions with leading UK-based utility companies and heating system suppliers to explore commercial opportunities for the new technology.
The device will be protected by a patent application jointly lodged by the two companies.
“We value our relationship with First Graphene. The company’s graphene materials are an enabler to realising the full potential of our unique heating systems and we look forward to working together to further advance our solution through our joint development program,” ZEBCO chief technology officer Thomas McGee said.
Severe supply shortage
The European natural gas market is facing severe supply shortages and governments are seeking additional supply in combination with reductions in gas consumption.
The UK and European Union are actively and urgently seeking to improve the efficiency of the gas heating market, especially as there is an immediate need to improve energy security in the continent.
A material portion of the national gas consumption is used for heating commercial and domestic premises.
In the UK alone, the consumption of natural gas in domestic heating over the past 10 years accounted for 35-40% of the total consumption, based on a supply of 850,000 gigawatt-hours.
In 2019, UK energy regulator Ofgem estimated that consumers spent about £55 billion on energy on an annual basis, and is set to increase significantly as UK gas spot prices have spiked dramatically.