A single 100 MW gas turbine reportedly emits around 300,000 tons of CO2 annually whilst operating only at 50% capacity. Converting gas turbines to operate on hydrogen, a Swiss climate tech Crosstown H2R’s technology removes the CO₂ emissions in those turbines entirely.
The climate tech startup has raised over €2 million in subsidies and grants from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and further investors and has emerged out of stealth. Also, the company announced partnerships with Sulzer and Fortum.
It will use the funding and collaborations to develop its proprietary technology – Crosstown Burner (H2R), which will enable gas power plants to shift to zero-carbon energy production for the first time ever.
Fast-tracks sustainable power generation
Crosstown was founded in 2022 by bothers Prith Harasgama and Manoj Harasgama as a spin-off from Crosstown Power. Manoj has built, scaled, and exited multiple high-growth startups and Prith has been instrumental in dozens of gas turbine projects globally. Its mission is to fast-track the evolution to sustainable power generation by delivering disruptive destination technologies with transitional capabilities.
Crosstown Burner: What does it do?
Its product – Crosstown Burner (H2R®) is touted to be the first Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) compliant zero-carbon burner for the gas turbine industry, providing the technology for carbon-free turbines in power generation and more. Crosstown’s technology enables new turbines to operate at zero-carbon from the offset whilst repurposing and future-proofing the existing infrastructure and turbines.
Its technology will be key for eliminating CO2 emissions from new and existing gas turbines across Europe that can extend their lifespans and continue to operate reliably with zero/low carbon for decades.
The Crosstown Burner (H2R®) decarbonises gas turbines while ensuring international emissions compliance with ultra-low NOx capability. With upcoming NOx regulations in Europe and the US being enforced in 2025, most gas turbines and gas power plants will be non-compliant and need to transition to new technologies.
Ambitious partnerships and collaborations
Through the go-to-market partnership with Sulzer, an independent service provider (ISP), Crosstown can accelerate its revolutionary zero-carbon burners into the market and deliver a solution for today’s global climate challenges. It aims to quickly access a market of over 3,500 new and existing gas-fired turbines in Europe and many more worldwide.
In addition, Fortum and Crosstown help reduce greenhouse gases in the power sector. As a result of this partnership, Fortum’s customers can operate with Crosstown’s revolutionary Hydrogen Renewal multi-fuel burner to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030.
Crosstown has tested its newest generation of burners passing TRL7 and will be installed into many of Sulzer’s and Fortum’s turbines from 2024 within the collaborations.
“I strongly believe that we will only truly solve the global climate crisis by building new hardware approaches to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gases” said S. Manoj Harasgama, founder and co-CEO of Crosstown. “We’re thrilled to join forces with such renowned clients and go-to-market partners to get this product to market faster and support our mission of creating a sustainable world today.”
“At Sulzer, we are committed to providing cutting-edge alternatives for gas turbine operators. Our collaboration with Crosstown, underscores our dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology,” stated Tim Schulten, Division President of Sulzer Services. “By leading this development, we empower our customers to transition to zero carbon operations, without the need for complete and expensive engine replacements.”
“We have closely followed Crosstown’s progress over the last two years and know they have the only ultra-low NOx and zero-carbon capable burner. Therefore, we are excited to work with Crosstown and offer the best solutions to our customers. With our landmark agreement, Fortum TGS intends to offer conversion options for all gas turbine asset operators in our market and customer portfolio,” said Vesa Kylmälä, Managing Director of Fortum TGS.
