Swiss startup tests plasma technology to cut methane on dairy farms

Sixteen44, a Swiss climate technology startup, is preparing to deploy its first operational demonstration unit on a dairy farm in Switzerland to validate a plasma-based methane abatement system under real-world conditions. The project marks a key milestone for the company as it seeks to prove that methane emissions can be reduced after they are released into the atmosphere, offering a complementary solution to feed additives and other on-farm mitigation tools.

According to AgFunderNews, Sixteen44 is developing a system that targets dilute methane emissions, particularly in environments where capturing or flaring gas is impractical. The company is initially focusing on dairy barns but sees future applications in coal mines, landfills and manure management systems.

Founded in 2024 by impact investor Nelson Dumas, chemist William Ramsay and physicist Mario Michan, the company uses non-thermal plasma technology combined with proprietary catalysts to convert methane into carbon dioxide and water vapor.

While converting methane into CO₂ may appear counterintuitive, the climate impact is significantly different. As William Ramsay explained to AgFunderNews, “If you remove one ton of methane per year, it has the impact of 80 tons of CO2 [on a 20-year basis]. You could also potentially capture the carbon dioxide.”

The technology works by generating controlled high-voltage electrical discharges that create plasma, often described as the fourth state of matter. This process produces highly reactive oxygen species that interact with methane and transform it into less harmful compounds.

One of the company's main innovations is its ability to operate at relatively low temperatures. According to Ramsay, traditional methane oxidation systems often require temperatures around 400 degrees Celsius. Sixteen44's system can function at approximately 50 to 60 degrees Celsius, significantly reducing energy requirements and operational complexity.

As reported by AgFunderNews, the system can be connected directly to existing barn ventilation infrastructure or installed in areas where cattle congregate, such as feeding zones. Importantly, it does not require major changes to farm operations.

The company is also exploring alternative business models to accelerate adoption. Rather than expecting farmers to finance the technology themselves, Sixteen44 is evaluating structures in which dairy cooperatives and other stakeholders seeking to reduce Scope 3 emissions would cover installation and operating costs. Revenue could then be partially recovered through carbon credits and low-carbon dairy product premiums.

According to Ramsay, the cooperative model could allow dairy products to be marketed with a lower carbon footprint while helping organizations meet sustainability targets.

Another advantage highlighted by the company is its monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system. Unlike some carbon reduction projects that rely on estimates, Sixteen44 directly measures methane entering and leaving the system, allowing emissions reductions to be quantified with precision.

As reported by AgFunderNews, the company estimates its methane abatement cost at approximately $125 per ton of CO₂-equivalent, including equipment, maintenance and operating expenses. While this remains above current voluntary carbon credit prices, it is competitive with several premium carbon removal technologies already attracting corporate buyers.

The demonstration project in Switzerland is expected to serve as a launch platform for broader deployments across Europe. Over the longer term, Sixteen44 aims to expand into additional methane-emitting sectors and has set an ambitious goal of removing 1 million tons of methane annually by 2035.

The initiative arrives at a time when methane reduction is receiving increased attention from investors, regulators and food companies due to its powerful short-term climate impact. According to AgFunderNews, Sixteen44 believes its technology can become part of a broader toolbox of solutions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across agriculture and industry.