Katal is now positioned to go to market with a low-emissions fuel to help companies achieve immediate advancements on sustainability targets.
In simple terms, Katal adds water and a bio-additive blend to diesel fuel and can make it go further, burn cleaner and provide just as much energy output as conventional diesel. The final product is “Katal Green Fuel” or “KGF” — a drop-in nano emulsion fuel significantly reducing CO2, particulate matter, and NOx from diesel-fuelled engines.
30 billion litres of diesel gets burned in Canada every year, emitting about 100 million tonnes of CO2. If this diesel were replaced by KGF, we would immediately eliminate 12 million tonnes of CO2 annually without changing any engines. KGF also tackles emissions of local health concerns like NOx and particulate matter, which we reduce by a minimum of 50%. I am very proud of our team for creating a low-cost solution that will reduce emissions within the communities where our customers operate.
In September 2017, Katal partnered with SAIT to prove that fuel and water can be compatible and achieve great things. The company's partnership with SAIT gave them access to integral resources and equipment to successfully bring their idea from prototype to life.
"As Katal graduates from testing and research towards real-world sales, SAIT wishes Katal exponential success, and we thank them for bringing their project to SAIT. We look forward to our ongoing partnership through applied research and News Release One of Katal's modular production units leaving SAIT's Applied Research Innovation Services (ARIS) Lab, providing them with highly skilled graduates as they continue to grow," says Tom Bornhorst, SAIT Vice President Corporate Development, Applied Research and International.
“SAIT has been happy to accompany Katal on their journey. They are a true Canadian success story, and we are excited to see what the future holds for them."
On June 1, Katal began the move from the lab at SAIT and into their new industrial facility in Calgary, where they will be able to increase the production capacity of KGF for demonstration purposes significantly.
Earlier this year, Katal and SAIT also embarked on the first Alberta-led, Canada's Ocean Supercluster funded project — Project ORCA — which received $4.25 million in pilot project funding.
Katal Energy leads the Ocean Supercluster’s first Alberta-led project with an innovative solution that will help us in our transition to a lower-carbon economy. We are thrilled to see the continued advancement of their work and their company as it moves into a new phase of development and growth.
Other academia and partners for Project ORCA include the University of Calgary, Valent Low Carbon Technologies, Horizon Maritime and joint-venture partners Miawpukek First Nation, Mitacs, DeepSense, and Spearhead Manufacturing.
"We have been working with Katal for more than three years and have assisted in the development and testing of their fuel. Today marks the next part of the journey for Katal as they sell their fuel to the market. This is the journey in which every entrepreneur dreams of embarking,” says Ken Omotani, head of Environmental Technologies at SAIT, who significantly contributed to the technology's development.
As part of Project ORCA, Katal will ship KGF from Calgary to the East Coast to run in First Nations company Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services’ 238-foot research vessel - the Polar Prince. The Polar Prince will run KGF this summer, providing an impressive working demonstration of Katal Green Fuel in the marine transportation industry.
Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Service’s 238-foot research vessel - the Polar Prince.
There is an opportunity to reduce dependency on conventional diesel and reduce GHG emissions in the marine industry. It is estimated that 80-90 percent of international trade by volume is conducted across oceans, predominantly fueled by hydrocarbons.
Katal’s offering holds a unique opportunity to do this without modifying our existing vessels. This means we can make a measurable difference in the short and medium term as other energy technologies mature.
As Katal progresses to commercialization, the company has hired post-secondary students from both SAIT and U of C. Colleen Jackson is one of the four recent SAIT graduates joining the Katal team in their new facility.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to join Katal because I can leverage my past environmental science education and my new business experience to support the company,” says Colleen Jackson, who holds a technical diploma from SAIT and is finishing her Master of Management program at U of C.
“What a great place to start my professional career where I can help create something awesome that will change the world.”
Katal's “graduation” from SAIT marks a poignant milestone for the company. Their new facility will make it possible for KGF modules to be deployed commercially, further reduce GHG emissions and continue to provide a feasible path towards building healthier communities.
About Horizon Maritime
Horizon Maritime is a Canadian company with deep experience in harsh environments and marine and offshore operations.
With locations across Canada and operations abroad, Horizon Maritime helps to solve the unique challenges of Canadian waters and the global ocean community.
Based on exceptional people and modern equipment, Horizon Maritime brings innovative solutions and provides industry-leading marine services to our customers.
About Katal Energy
Katal is a low-emissions alternative fuel company based in Calgary, Alberta, that has developed a novel nanoemulsion drop-in fuel called Katal Green Fuel (KGF).
Since its inception five years ago, the Katal team has proven the technology at the pilot scale, demonstrating significant reductions in CO2, PM and NOx emissions compared to traditional diesel fuels.
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