California-based startup Sapphire Technologies has raised $18 million in a Series C funding round to accelerate production of its clean energy technology and expand into new markets.

Founded in 2021, Sapphire has built its reputation on energy recovery systems that capture and convert wasted pressure energy into electricity. Its flagship product, the FreeSpin™ turboexpander generator, prevents energy losses during pressure reduction processes in applications such as natural gas wells and transmission pipelines. By converting what would typically be wasted pressure into usable power, without generating additional carbon emissions, the system supports both efficiency gains and emissions reduction.

Sapphire’s technology is scalable from kilowatt- to megawatt-class installations, enabling infrastructure operators to generate new power while reducing electrical costs, increasing productivity, and creating additional revenue streams.

The new funding will be used to ramp up production at Sapphire’s California facility, continue field deployments in Japan, and expand operations into other key markets. The round brought in new investment from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), alongside continued support from existing backers including Equinor Ventures, Cooper and Company, and Energy Capital Ventures.

Ricky Sakai, Senior Vice President of Investment and Business Development at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, highlighted the strategic importance of the technology:

“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. Our investment supports the next phase of field deployments in key markets, adding dependable capacity where demand is growing and lowering carbon intensity.”

Source:

https://www.esgtoday.com/sapphire-technologies-raises-18-million-to-turn-waste-energy-into-clean-power/