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Ambient Carbon has successfully demonstrated its Methane Eradication Photochemical System (MEPS) in a large-scale field trial, proving that dilute methane emissions from dairy barns can be effectively eliminated at a commercial scale.

This achievement marks the first real-world validation of a technology capable of eradicating methane emissions from livestock barn air, addressing a critical environmental challenge in the dairy industry.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 84 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, accounts for approximately 30% of global anthropogenic methane emissions, with dairy cattle contributing half of that total.

The MEPS system's ability to mitigate these emissions is crucial as the dairy sector strives toward its goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

The trial was conducted at the Hofmansgave Foundation farm in Denmark, where the MEPS unit, housed in a standard 40-foot shipping container, processed air samples from a 250-cow open-sided dairy barn. This latest test was a significant scale-up from previous laboratory prototypes, showcasing the technology's viability for widespread commercial deployment.

Matthew S Johnson, co-founder and chief science officer at Ambient Carbon, said: “The MEPS successfully oxidised methane from dairy barn ventilation air across varying concentration levels, proving that it can deliver consistent performance under real agricultural conditions with co-pollutants present. We achieved up to 90% methane eradication across a concentration range of 4.3 to 44 ppm.”

The trial received substantial support from Danone North America, which has committed to investing in innovative solutions that enhance the sustainability and resilience of the agricultural supply chain.

Jessie Copeland, head of regenerative agriculture at Danone North America, added: “The success in Denmark paves the way for further strategic collaborations between Danone North America and Ambient Carbon, reinforcing our shared commitment to enhancing farmer and supply chain resiliency”.

In addition to methane reduction, the MEPS system effectively removes ammonia and other odours from dairy barns, generating fertiliser as a byproduct that can reduce operational costs for farmers.

This closed-loop circular technology not only enhances resource efficiency but also minimises barn exhaust air to sterile water vapour.

Dave Kenney, CEO of Ambient Carbon, commented: “Proving that MEPS technology works at scale is crucial in our journey to deliver a commercial solution in 2026. This validation shows we can meet the performance metrics needed for widespread adoption across the agricultural sector.”

The MEPS system employs a patented gas-phase process that utilises chlorine radicals activated by UV LED arrays to break down methane. It is designed to be completely non-invasive, ensuring that cow comfort, milk production, and barn operations remain unaffected.

Furthermore, its modular design allows for deployment in various sizes of dairy barns, making it a versatile solution for the industry.

While the current trial focused on methane emissions from dairy barns, the MEPS system has potential applications for other sources of dilute methane emissions, such as covered manure storage facilities, biogas plants and wastewater treatment plants, thereby expanding its climate impact.

The successful trial was conducted in collaboration with Danone North America, Hofmansgave Foundation and several academic partners, including the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University, with additional support from Innovation Fund Denmark.