NGIF Invests in Kinitics Automation to Eliminate Methane Venting

Kinitics Automation has entered into a contribution agreement with NGIF Industry Grants (a division of NGIF Capital Corporation) after successfully completing its clean technologies funding competition. NGIF joins Emissions Reduction Alberta as a funding partner supporting the demonstration of the Kinitics Valve Actuator for zero-bleed valves at natural gas production facilities.

This all-electric valve actuator is being developed to replace methane-venting pneumatic devices. Widely deployed throughout natural gas operations in Western Canada, these pneumatic devices are collectively a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Built using the company’s shape memory alloy technology, the Kinitics Valve Actuator addresses critical gaps in the current marketplace. The demonstration project will help industry accelerate the transition to zero-methane-emission well sites.

This demonstration project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 1,498 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. At commercial scale, the Kinitics Valve Actuator has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta by the equivalent of 9,757,633 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

NGIF investors supporting the project include Chevron Canada Ltd., Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Petronas Energy Canada Ltd., Perpetual Energy Inc., and Tourmaline Oil Corp.

Quotes:

Dean Pick, President, Kinitics Automation:

“We are excited to work with NGIF and its upstream investors in pursuit of methane emission reductions. Access to the end-user has allowed us to sit down and listen to their needs, paving the way for us to address those needs with a purpose-built innovative solution. The opportunity to test and demonstrate our solution in industry relevant settings will help to accelerate the technology roll-out process while breaking down the commercial adoption barriers.”

John Adams, President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation:

“Kinitics Automation has long been committed to driving cleantech innovation in natural gas production. NGIF is proud to once again invest in their technologies which is expected to eliminate the venting of methane at well sites. Supporting Kinitics Valve Actuator is another example of the gas industry’s commitment to innovation, affordability, and environmental performance.”

Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation:

“Through NGIF Industry Grants, the natural gas industry is able to support technology development that will enhance innovation and environmental performance for the sector, while still ensuring energy affordability and reliability for Canadians. I am excited to see the advancement of Kinitics’ technology that will enable accelerated emissions reductions at production.”