Perlemax announces agreement with AECOM to develop energy saving technology
UNIVERSITY commercialisation company Fusion IP announced today that its portfolio company Perlemax, a spin-out from the University of Sheffield, has signed a licence agreement with AECOM to develop its micro bubble energy-saving technology in the municipal waste water market.
Waste water treatment accounts for 2% of the UK’s electricity consumption, and the Perlemax technology has the potential of delivering energy savings of between 20 and 40% to each plant on which it is installed.
Perlemax’s micro bubble generation is able to produce small bubbles using no additional energy and consequently improves the transfer of oxygen to the waste water.
The technology has been on trial at two sites with “highly encouraging” results, said Fusion IP.
The licence agreement enables AECOM to use its global reach to market and implement the technology with water treatment companies.
The financial terms of the agreement were undisclosed.
Brenda Franklin, global technologist for AECOM said: “AECOM values the longstanding relationship we have with Perlemax and the University of Sheffield and we are excited to now be at the stage to take this innovative energy saving technology to market. It will help our customers reduce their energy usage and carbon emissions which is an important goal for all of us.”
Graeme Hitchen, managing director of Perlemax, said: “AECOM has been working with our technology for many years firstly through Sheffield University Enterprises then through Perlemax. They have been very supportive recognising the considerable potential our technology will make to their markets. It is an excellent example of the impact university-derived technologies can make to UK, global industry and the environment.”
David Baynes, chief executive of Fusion IP, added: “Perlemax is a business at an early stage of development, but is typical of the quality of the technologies emerging from our partner universities. Fusion IP is able to monitor and assist these new businesses in their early stages, making them ready for a larger investment at a later date.”
Fusion owns a 35% shareholding in Perlemax.
