Turboexpanders convert the energy wasted by pressure reduction processes into electric power. Assets in the energy sector often contain ready-to-develop pressure resources, like natural gas wells that must be choked prior to processing and transmission pipelines that must be let down before interconnecting with local distribution pipelines. Turboexpanders can be introduced into these processes to generate carbon-free electricity.

Sapphire Technologies announced the close of its $18 million Series C funding round, with investment from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Equinor Ventures, Cooper and Company, and Energy Capital Ventures. This is primarily for Sapphire’s new Cypress, California manufacturing facility, as well as growing the installed base of FreeSpin In-line Turboexpanders in key geographies such as Japan and expand market reach into new applications.

“Technologies such as FreeSpin have the potential to play a meaningful role in the energy transition by converting existing pressure into electricity without additional fuel or direct emissions,” said Ricky Sakai, Senior Vice President, Investment & Business Development, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America. “Our investment supports the next phase of field deployments in key markets intending to add dependable capacity where demand is growing and lowering carbon intensity.”