E4tech has a broad knowledge of emerging energy technologies, which are generally still at the laboratory stage or in the early stages of demonstration and commercialisation. Many of these technologies are linked to our other areas of expertise, such as novel types of biofuel,  hydrogen production from solar energy and waste, hydrogen storage, and microbial fuel cells. Outside of these areas, we have an understanding of the prospects for third generation photovoltaics, energy harvesting, and even nuclear fusion. Working in these areas involves combining our strong team background in engineering, physical and biological sciences with our experience of assessing the technical and business development needs of early stage technologies. In this way, we can advise on how best to stimulate and support innovation, on prospects for investment in research and in early stage companies, and on the potential for these new technologies to contribute to the future global energy system.

E4tech’s recent projects in novel energy technologies include:

• We worked with the Carbon Trust to assess the prospects for accelerating the development of new low carbon technologies in the UK, through directing research funding at key challenges, and encouraging collaboration between academia and industry, leading to the establishment of a research acceleration project on advanced photovoltaics
• We have reviewed European research capability in microbial fuel cells, and have also assessed the market potential for this technology for an early stage developer.
• We have investigated the current status of research, technology prospects and commercial potential for novel hydrogen production technologies, including biohydrogen and photoelectrochemical hydrogen production, for public and private clients.
• We have identified and assessed routes to novel biofuels, based on biological and chemical routes from sugars,  use of algae, and thermal routes from lignocellulosic biomass, for private and public organisations.

Our clients in novel energy are diverse:

• energy companies and utilities
• early stage technology companies
• technology transfer organisations
• national governments
• automotive companies
• financial organisations, from VCs to global investment banks and hedge funds

We provide these clients with assistance in the following areas:

• strategy and business development
• policy analysis and development
• technology assessment for financial and strategic investors
• market assessment

We would be happy to talk to you about your requirements.

Our work in novel energy is led by Jo Howes