
Rhinoflux
Producing carbon-negative energy, turning power generation into a tool for atmospheric CO2 capture.
Rhinoflux Inc., established in April 2024, is an innovative energy company originating from Kyoto University. Its mission is to "unlock the value of vast dormant resources through science," focusing on producing carbon-negative energy to create a future where increased electricity generation corresponds with greater atmospheric CO₂ capture.
The company is pioneering a next-generation Bio-Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) technology. This system utilizes a hydrochemical looping method, efficiently extracting high-purity carbon dioxide with minimal energy loss. This approach enables decentralized carbon dioxide removal and clean energy production, even in compact spaces like factory grounds or underground facilities.
In October 2024, Rhinoflux secured approximately $2 million in seed funding from investors including Beyond Next Ventures, Global Brain, Kyoto University Innovation Capital, and Shimadzu Corporation. This investment aims to support the development of a prototype to demonstrate small-scale power generation and CO₂ capture, as well as to enhance the company's R&D and business development capabilities.
Rhinoflux's innovative technology holds the potential to significantly reduce power generation costs while capturing carbon dioxide as a by-product with over 99.9% purity. By enabling the use of wet biomass, which was previously unsuitable for power generation, Rhinoflux's system can generate electricity at less than half the cost of existing biomass power generation methods, maintaining efficiency even at a small scale. This advancement contributes to the realization of a carbon-neutral society by effectively utilizing biomass resources and capturing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
With its roots in academic research and a commitment to scientific innovation, Rhinoflux is poised to make a significant impact on sustainable energy production and carbon capture, addressing critical challenges in the fight against climate change.