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Green-tech company relocates R&D to Milton Park
Published on 18 March 2024
Growing start-up takes 7,500 sq ft of space to decarbonise ammonia production
Following £2.3m of seed funding in 2023, Nium (pronounced Nee-Yum) has taken up 7,500 sq ft of research and development space at 126 Olympic Avenue, Milton Park, to capitalise on growth plans of decarbonising ammonia production.
Founded in Spring 2022 at Carbon13, Cambridge, Nium’s nanocatalytic solutions were developed by its Chief Technology Officer over two years at the UK synchrotron facility at Harwell, Diamond Light Source.
Nium utilises nanotechnology (manipulating atoms at a very small scale) to decarbonise ammonia production, the planet’s most polluting chemical industrial process. Much of the ammonia used today is made in China and Russia at massive industrial plants burning coal, gas and oil.
The current Haber-Bosch method of creating ammonia, which is used as fertiliser in half of all food produced globally, is over 100 years old. Because 95% of the process is reliant on burning fossil fuels, two tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) are released for every tonne of ammonia produced.
Powered by renewable energy, Nium’s solution takes hydrogen from water and nitrogen from the air to produce green ammonia without the need for fossil fuels, at a far reduced cost. The process gives the ability to locally produce green ammonia, saving time, removing emissions and shortening supply chains.
Easier to transport than hydrogen, green ammonia is also a good alternative energy store and is fast becoming a frontrunner in clean fuel. It is an excellent hydrogen carrier, with nine times the energy density of lithium-ion batteries.
Commenting on the move, Lewis Jenkins, CEO and co-founder at Nium, said: “Nium’s solution for producing green ammonia is innovation born out of necessity, at a fraction of the price and without the pollution from fossil fuels. As an ambitious start-up, we need the space, infrastructure and collaborative environment if we are to scale effectively and deliver a positive impact on the planet.
“When looking at other estimates to complete a facility to test and scale our emission reducing nanotechnologies, we were originally looking at a 2026 completion, but it took just 7 months for us to set up out new basecamp at Milton Park – a real testament to the work of Tom and the MEPC team.
“We were attracted to the Park’s track record of supporting start-ups, thanks to its ability to move occupiers around to accommodate growth. That speed and nimble approach gives companies like Nium the flexibility and agility to scale, whilst benefitting from Oxfordshire’s world-class talent pool.”
Nium joins an increasing number of companies at Milton Park who are focused in the green energy sector, including Tokamak Energy, which is advancing fusion technology, and Nexeon, which is optimising the use of lithium-ion batteries.
Tom Booker, Commercial Manager at MEPC Milton Park, said: “Joining the likes of Gardin, Wild Bioscience and Nexeon, Nium is another exciting Milton Park occupier and a welcome addition to our growing agri-tech and green energy sectors. We’re delighted to welcome the team to Milton Park, to play a part in accommodating their growth plans, alongside other like-minded companies.”
A Beauhurst analysis of Milton Park reveals its occupiers in the green energy sector raised £136 million in equity investment and were awarded £18.4 million in grants between 2013 and 2022.
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