Volta Greentech Raises €1.7M for Methane Reduction Technology

Gothenburg-based Volta Greentech has successfully closed a funding round totaling nearly €1.7 million (18 million SEK), propelling its innovative approach to mitigating methane emissions from livestock toward commercialization. The investment, spearheaded by Axel Johnson through its investment arm Novax, marks a significant step for the biotech startup as it prepares to launch its proprietary feed additive, Lome. This latest capital infusion brings Volta Greentech's total funding to over €9.5 million (100 million SEK) since its founding in 2019.

Volta Greentech's core technology focuses on developing feed additives designed to subtly inhibit methane-producing microorganisms within the bovine rumen. This mechanism aims to reduce the potent greenhouse gas emissions at their source, a critical challenge for the global agriculture sector, which accounts for a substantial portion of anthropogenic methane. The company emphasizes that this process preserves valuable feed energy, offering a dual benefit of environmental impact reduction and potential improvements in farm productivity.

The newly developed Lome additive represents a strategic evolution for Volta Greentech. Rather than relying on large-scale algae cultivation, the company has engineered a product that replicates the methane-suppressing properties of algae through a more resource-efficient and scalable synthetic process. This shift addresses the complexities and costs associated with scaling up biological cultivation, positioning Lome for broader market adoption. The company is currently finalizing its regulatory submission for EU-wide market access.

“This funding, with Axel Johnson as the lead investor, significantly strengthens our financial footing and industrial collaborations as we gear up for Lome’s market introduction,” stated Fredrik Åkerman, CEO of Volta Greentech. “This capital injection will accelerate our transition from scientific validation to tangible, real-world impact, equipping farmers with effective tools to combat climate change.”

Methane from livestock is a major contributor to global warming, with agricultural emissions representing a significant percentage of the total. The development of effective, scalable solutions like Lome is crucial for the food system's sustainability. Volta Greentech's approach is notable for its integration into existing farming practices, requiring no alterations to current feeding systems. Early research suggests Lome can enhance feed utilization, potentially leading to improved animal growth and productivity, aligning with the demands of modern agricultural operations while prioritizing animal welfare.

Carl Dalerstedt from Novax highlighted the strategic importance of the investment, noting, “Methane emissions from livestock present one of the most formidable challenges in today's food system. Volta Greentech demonstrates a compelling blend of robust scientific expertise and commercial acumen, showing great promise in translating research into scalable, impactful solutions.” The company's existing partnerships include prominent entities such as Coop Sverige, Axfood, Martin & Servera, Sodexo, Protos, Gäsene Mejeri, and Orkla, underscoring the market's interest in its innovative technology.