Powerhouse Energy Group PLC (AIM:PHE, ETR:BT81) said it is planning to build a UK technology and innovation centre ready for operation early next year, to develop and showcase its most up-to-date technology.
The waste plastic-to-hydrogen group said a site search for the Global Technology and Innovation Centre (GTIC) is underway, following the recent signing of agreements with suppliers to “provide a turnkey solution” to build the centre.
Powerhouse said the aim of the GTIC is partly to build the technology readiness level (TRL) of its technologies and systems, which it said was essential for understanding and assessing the maturity of a technology during its development phase.
“As well as generating even more credibility on the process capability of our commercial scale offering, the plant and equipment at GTIC is more representative of the commercial design,” said chief technology officer Paul Emmitt.
He said the centre will be capable of handling more volume than the equipment the company has used so far, and it will support evaluations of customers' own blends of waste plastic feedstock in real-world conditions.
“This will enable deep and thorough assessment in the pre-evaluation phase of onboarding projects, supporting business growth,” Emmitt said.
The ideal location of the centre will be close to manufacturing, technology, and research networks, the AIM-listed company said.
Chief executive Paul Drennan-Durose added: “The new centre will open doors to new areas of research, innovation, and technology development. It will play a key role in underpinning the established progress, and in increasing market readiness.
“Crucially, it will play a role in intensifying sales pipeline generation, and in showcasing how Powerhouse can be part of the solution to the world's waste problems, and the energy transition.”