Climate Insider Brief:
- Oxford Flow raised $25 million in Series C funding co-led by bp Ventures and Energy Impact Partners (EIP) to scale operations and address critical energy challenges, including fugitive emissions and valve reliability.
- The company’s patented valve design eliminates traditional failure points, significantly reducing emissions, maintenance costs, and downtime, with applications in hydrogen, ammonia, and CO2 infrastructure.
- Backers bp Ventures and EIP emphasize Oxford Flow’s role in advancing global decarbonization efforts and improving operational efficiency in upstream, midstream, and utility energy sectors.
Oxford Flow, a spin-out from the Oxford Thermofluids Institute at the University of Oxford, has raised $25 million in Series C funding co-led by bp Ventures and Energy Impact Partners (EIP). The funding will accelerate the company’s mission to scale up operations and address critical challenges in the energy sector, including fugitive emissions and valve reliability.
Oxford Flow, founded in 2015 by Professor Thomas Povey, specializes in advanced valve technology that reimagines traditional designs. Unlike conventional valves, Oxford Flow’s products have no mechanical drive train, stem, or diaphragm, significantly reducing failure risks, wear, and fugitive emissions—an issue that arises from leaks during fuel extraction, storage, and transportation.
Gareth Burns, Vice President of bp Ventures, emphasized the significance of the technology for energy reliability and emissions reduction:
“Oxford Flow’s technology could be important for bp’s core operations, helping reduce maintenance and downtime costs at our production facilities, as well as being utilized for other emerging businesses such as hydrogen. We’re excited to be investing in a UK business and the economy as we look for new ways to increase reliability in our operations.”
EIP, a global technology investor focused on the energy transition, also sees Oxford Flow as pivotal to decarbonization efforts. Steven Yang, Principal at EIP, highlighted its strategic role:
“Methane emission reduction is one of the most cost-effective strategies for global greenhouse gas abatement. We believe Oxford Flow’s innovative valves and regulators are strategically important for upstream, midstream, and gas utility operators. We also see Oxford Flow playing an important role in enabling infrastructure for use-cases such as hydrogen, ammonia, and captured CO2.”
Since its inception, Oxford Flow has secured nearly 60 patents for its groundbreaking technology. The company is now poised for rapid growth, with plans to expand its team and production capabilities. CEO Neil Poxon expressed pride in Oxford Flow’s journey and future potential:
“Oxford Flow was borne out of a want to revolutionize valve technology that seemed to have remained stagnant for more than 100 years. With this recent investment, we look forward to exploring ways Oxford Flow can help the industry reduce fugitive emissions.”
Why It Matters
Fugitive emissions, a major source of greenhouse gas leakage, pose a significant challenge to the energy industry’s net-zero ambitions. Oxford Flow’s innovative valve design not only enhances reliability and reduces maintenance costs but also plays a critical role in mitigating emissions. The company’s technology is particularly relevant as the industry transitions to clean energy sources like hydrogen and ammonia.
This funding marks a key milestone in Oxford Flow’s mission to address operational inefficiencies and advance global decarbonization efforts. With support from bp Ventures and EIP, the company is set to expand its impact across upstream, midstream, and utility operations worldwide.
About Oxford Flow
Oxford Flow specializes in precision-engineered valves and regulators designed to improve performance and sustainability in energy applications. The company’s proprietary piston design reduces maintenance needs and minimizes emissions, setting a new standard for flow control technologies.
Climate Insider Notes:
- Investment Highlights: bp Ventures and EIP co-led the $25 million Series C round, emphasizing Oxford Flow’s strategic role in reducing fugitive emissions.
- Tech Innovation: The company’s patented valve technology eliminates traditional failure points, addressing a century-old industry challenge.
- Future Applications: Potential use in hydrogen, ammonia, and CO2 infrastructure makes this technology pivotal for energy transition efforts.
- Global Growth: Funding will enable team expansion and increased production capacity, aligning with growing demand for sustainable solutions in energy and industrial sectors.
Source: Oxford Flow
Featured Image: Credit: Anthony Sajdler
