21 September 2023
MOLECULAR ENERGIES PLC
("Molecular" or the "Company")
Molecular takes first steps to develop an industrial scale production of synthetic fuel
Paraguay drilling and spin-out and IPO of Green House Capital on track
New Corporate Presentation
Molecular Energies (AIM: MEN), the international energy company, is pleased to provide a corporate update ahead of the General Meeting being held at 3pm today to approve the sale of the entire issued share capital of President Energy Holding UK Limited.
Molecular Aviation
Molecular's management team has been evaluating alternative major energy projects to place the Group at the forefront of the ongoing energy revolution utilising its assets and knowhow. Molecular's focus has included sustainable aviation fuel ("SAF"), being synthetic kerosene. SAF is the most impactful initiative with regard to reducing carbon emissions in the hard to abate aviation industry (McKinsey 2023). Many of the world's leading airlines have committed to using SAF for up to 30% of their total jet fuel by 2030. SAF can be produced through the interaction of hydrogen and carbon-based products such as, but not limited to, biomass.
Due to the current high costs involved, SAF is currently significantly more expensive than fossil fuel derived product. Molecular considers that it may be in an advantageous position with access to economic feedstock and offtake, capitalising on its presence in South America, all sourced from its know-how, network of contacts and related companies. Accordingly, Molecular is commencing feasibility planning for the industrial scale production of SAF. The Company has incorporated Molecular Aviation Limited as a wholly owned subsidiary.
Molecular's work is at a preliminary stage but it has already signed several non-disclosure agreements with potential stakeholders and relevant partners with whom it enjoys established relationships. Aecom, the international engineering and infrastructure company with a turnover of over US$13 billion in 2022 has been appointed Owners Engineer for the potential project. Aecom is also the Owners Engineer of Molecular's sister company, Atome Energy, for its industrial scale green hydrogen to green fertiliser project in Paraguay.
Paraguay Drilling
The high impact exploration well is now expected to spud at or around the end this month or the first week of October. The Rig mast has been erected and rig testing is now commencing with the repaired blow-out preventer after final testing currently now scheduled for delivery at the end of September.
Green House Capital
The Company continues, with its advisors, to work on the spin-out and IPO of Green House Capital which is progressing on all fronts. The Company expects to provide further updates in the coming weeks.
New Corporate Presentation
Molecular has issued a new corporate presentation now available for investors to see on the Company's website at www.molecularenergiesplc.com as well as on its social media channels.
Change of Name of Nominated Adviser and Broker
The Company also announces that its Nominated Adviser and Broker has changed its name to Cavendish Capital Markets Limited following completion of its own corporate merger.
Peter Levine, Chairman, commented: "The exit of the Argentine business preserves an income stream for Molecular which we anticipate in the current circumstances will commence in H2 2024.
"In the meantime, Molecular is shortly to spud its high impact Paraguay exploration well and has the valuable Atome Energy investment complemented by its exciting Green House Capital Group planned spin-off from Molecular and IPO later this year.
"The potential move to industrial scale production of synthetic fuel for Molecular is both logical and compelling and continues the Company's strategy, successfully evidenced by Atome and Green House in capitalising on the Group's existing contacts, know how and experience to move into alternative high potential future technologies and industries."
For further information, please visit www.molecularenergiesplc.com or contact:
Molecular Energies PLC Peter Levine, Chairman Rob Shepherd, Finance Director
| +44 (0) 207 016 7950 info@molecularenergiesplc.com |
Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (Nominated Advisor and Broker) Simon Hicks, George Dollemore
| +44 (0) 207 220 0500 |
Tavistock (Financial PR and IR) Simon Hudson, Nick Elwes, Charles Baister | +44 (0) 20 7920 3150 |
Notes to Editors
Molecular Energies PLC is an AIM listed company at the forefront of energy development and has interests across the energy spectrum, from oil and gas projects to subdivisions in the green and alternative energy sub-sectors. The Company has oil and gas production in Argentina as well as exploration assets in both Argentina and Paraguay. The Company has two separate subdivisions which are focused on early-stage opportunities in the green and/or alternative energy sub-sector.
Activities in the green and alternative energy space are being carried out under the Green House Capital brand and through AIM listed Atome Energy PLC, a green hydrogen, ammonia, and fertiliser company operating in Paraguay, Costa Rica and Iceland, in which Molecular currently has 20.5%.
With a strong strategic and institutional base of support, an in-country management team as well as the Chairman whose interests as the largest shareholder are aligned to those of its shareholders, Molecular gives UK investors access to an energy growth story combined with world class standards of corporate governance, environmental and social responsibility.
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK Domestic Law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("UK MAR"). The person who arranged for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was Robert Shepherd, Financial Director.
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