Petredec has entered a strategic partnership with Carnot Engines, taking a shareholding in the startup to support development of LPG-compatible versions of its next-generation engine technology.

The collaboration will focus on the use of liquefied petroleum gas as a fuel across transport, maritime, and power generation applications, with Petredec funding research and development to optimise Carnot engines for LPG operation.

As part of the agreement, Petredec fleet director Philip Harwood has joined Carnot Engines’ board.

Carnot’s engine platform is built around a novel high-temperature architecture designed to capture more usable energy from combustion, targeting brake thermal efficiency levels of more than 70%. The technology is also intended to operate across a wide range of fuels, including LPG, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuels, biogas, LNG and diesel, with the ability to switch between them.

Archie Watts-Farmer, CEO of Carnot Engines, said: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Petredec. As a company, Petredec offers a unique and perfect fit with our strategy to accelerate the delivery of decarbonised power solutions into our target markets. Petredec's deep expertise across the whole value chain provides the perfect knowledge to optimise our engines for LPG fuel, which we believe will provide a key role in the decarbonising pathway for many industries."

Philip Harwood commented: "We are focused on achievable pathways that make our operations more efficient and environmentally responsible. LPG is a cleaner burning, readily available fuel, and combining it with Carnot Engines' highly efficient engines creates an optimal synergy to deliver cleaner power and transport at lower cost, while benefiting the environment. We are excited to fund the R&D for the LPG version of the Carnot engine and to become shareholders."

He added: "Having met with Carnot Engines' founders, it's clear that they share Petredec's passion for sustainability and commitment to their technology. Carnot Engines has assembled an exceptional design and engineering team, from aerospace and elite motorsports to quantum physics, whose vision and attention to detail have already set new benchmarks. We are proud to partner with them in bringing this innovative technology to market."

Petredec specialises in LPG supply, shipping and distribution and operates a very large gas carrier fleet alongside terminals and downstream infrastructure across Africa and India.

Carnot Engines is developing high-efficiency multi-fuel engine systems to reduce fuel use and emissions in heavy-duty power applications.