Mote secures $1.2m for biomass to hydrogen initiative in Sacramento

Mote Inc., a frontrunner in the push for greener energy alternatives, has successfully garnered a substantial grant of $1.2 million. The funds, bestowed by eminent bodies like the US Forest Service, the California Department of Conservation, and the California Department of Forestry (CAL FIRE), will be directed towards Mote’s ambitious second biomass to hydrogen and carbon sequestration plant.

Collaborating closely with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), this partnership is poised to generate an estimated 21,000 metric tons per year (MTPY) of carbon-negative hydrogen. This hydrogen will be channeled for pivotal applications such as thermal power generation and transportation.

Sacramento’s Stance on Clean Energy: Producing Hydrogen, Reducing Emissions

The anticipated facility also presents an environmentally conscious vision with its plans to sequester over 450,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year. This is the environmental equivalent of sidelining more than 100,000 cars annually. The endeavor has garnered extensive backing from forestry professionals, primarily due to Mote’s aptitude to valorize voluminous wood waste. With a potential to harness up to 300,000 MTPY of forest residues and wood debris, especially from regional programs in the Sierra Nevadas, this project aims to reduce the ecological repercussions of open-air burning or dumping into landfills.

Cutting-Edge Biomass to Hydrogen Technology Spearheaded by Mote Inc. in Northern California. Image courtesy of Business Wire.

Lora Anguay, the formidable chief zero carbon officer at SMUD, passionately voiced her perspective: “On our path toward a sustainable future, SMUD remains dedicated to harnessing the power of our partnerships and cutting-edge technologies to create innovative green energy solutions and opportunities for the entire region.”

Setting Mote Apart: A Unique Carbon-Negative Blueprint

Distinguishing itself with a novel model for atmospheric CO2 extraction, Mote’s approach to carbon-negative hydrogen production integrates advanced carbon capture and geological sequestration methods. This model, proven successful in its first Bakersfield project, is underpinned by gasification and an in-house fusion of tried-and-tested technology. By processing varied sources of woody waste, the surplus CO2 from the undertaking is securely stored in saline aquifers, ensuring ecological harmony. The efficacy of Mote’s technology is further emphasized by its carbon intensity score, which is significantly competitive at -150 gCO2/MJ.

Mote’s CEO, Joshuah Stolaroff, elucidated, “There is a pressing need for durable, large-scale carbon removal and scalable solutions that provide low-cost, clean hydrogen in the ongoing energy transition. Mote’s technology does both.”

Mote’s recent endeavors have received considerable attention, notably with recognition for their Bakersfield facility. The company has also been endorsed to proceed with their application for the DOE Loan Programs Office Title 17 Clean Energy Financing program. However, these advances with the DOE aren’t guaranteed, depending on further evaluations.

Strategic partnerships, including one with RMI, have further fortified Mote’s journey. Bryan Fisher, Director of Hubs at MPP and Managing Director for RMI’s Climate-Aligned Industries program, stressed the significance of Mote’s efforts for the clean hydrogen market.