Bp, Johnson Matthey partner with British scientists on new catalyst tech to reach net zero

British oil and gas company, bp and  UK-based speciality chemicals and sustainable technologies company, Johnson Matthey (JM) are partnering with Cardiff University and The University of Manchester in a £ 9 million project, which aims to convert CO2, waste and sustainable biomass into clean and sustainable fuels and products that can be used across the energy and transportation sectors. The Sustainable Catalysis for Clean Growth project is one of eight business-led Prosperity Partnerships that support the government’s ambitious new Innovation Strategy.

The collaboration befits Bp’s goal to transition from an international oil company to an integrated energy company.

Cardiff University leads the project, and The University of Manchester will provide expertise in materials science, characterisation methods and catalysis.  The partnership, which will begin work on October 2021, is expected to spend the next five years exploring new catalytic technologies to help the world reach a net-zero target.

 The project has been co-funded with £2.68 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, and £5.65 million from the companies and University partners.