Engineering Renewable Methane for a Circular Carbon Economy
Methanica develops biological methanation technology that converts biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) and green hydrogen into renewable methane. By combining biotechnology with industrial engineering, the company develops modular systems that support decarbonization, renewable energy storage, and the utilization of existing gas infrastructure.
Our focus is to advance biological methanation from validated technology to industrial deployment through continuous engineering, research, and collaboration.
Bridging Biotechnology and Industrial Engineering
Methanica combines biological process expertise with industrial engineering to develop scalable biological methanation systems for renewable methane production. Backed by 10+ years of R&D on support material, reactor and process control, combined with the targeted development work of Nefigmann GmbH & LUCRAT GmbH, the company's technology utilizes naturally occurring methanogenic microorganisms to convert biogenic CO₂ and renewable hydrogen into pipeline-ready methane.
10+ years of R&D on support material, reactor and process control, combined with the targeted development work of Nefigmann GmbH & LUCRAT GmbH.
Built on Engineering, Innovation and Collaboration
Methanica's development is guided by scientific research, industrial engineering, and long-term collaboration with partners working toward renewable energy solutions. By combining biological process expertise with practical engineering, the company develops scalable biological methanation systems designed for industrial deployment and the transition toward a circular carbon economy.
Innovation
Continuous advancement of biological methanation through engineering, research, and technology development.
Sustainability
Supporting decarbonization by converting biogenic CO₂ into renewable methane.
Engineering
Standardized series modules instead of one-off custom plants — 20-ft ISO containers, repeatable, maintainable, transportable.
Collaboration
Working with industry, research institutions, and public programs to accelerate technology development.
Facts & Corporate Overview
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Methanica GmbH
Hollich 79, 48565 Steinfurt, Germany
Sven Nefigmann
Dipl.-Ing. (Chemistry), inventor of CarboFerm®; 30+ years of industry experience (wind, PV, biogas) and 7 years of R&D experience in bioprocess engineering/reactors
10+ years of R&D on support material, reactor and process control, combined with the targeted development work of Nefigmann GmbH & LUCRAT GmbH
5 granted patents (DE/USA); European patent application EP 26183415.4 (trickle-bed reactor for biological methanation) · Trademark: CarboFerm® (registered biochar support system)
ERDF/JTF Programme NRW 2021–2027 ("Grüne Gründungen.NRW") · Funding ref: EFRE-20802164 (file ref.: IN-GG-5-061)
Amtsgericht Steinfurt HRB 16112
TRL 5 (Validated in relevant environment)
Construction & validation 2026/2027
2.5 ha
10+ Years of Research & Development
10+ years of R&D on support material, reactor and process control, combined with the targeted development work of Nefigmann GmbH & LUCRAT GmbH
Advancing Towards Industrial Deployment
Methanica is progressing from laboratory validation toward industrial demonstration through a planned pilot installation. The project will validate biological methanation under industrial operating conditions while supporting the next stage of technology commercialization.
Funded under the Green Startups NRW Initiative
METHANICA is co-funded by the European Union and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia under the ERDF/JTF Programme NRW 2021–2027.
ERDF/JTF Programme NRW 2021–2027 ("Grüne Gründungen.NRW")
EFRE-20802164 (AZ: IN-GG-5-061)
METHANICA: Optimized Power-to-Methane Technology through Biological Methanation with Innovative Biochar Support Systems
Engineering Expertise Driving Innovation
Led by founder & managing director Sven Nefigmann (Dipl.-Ing. Chemistry, inventor of CarboFerm®; 30+ years of industry experience in wind, PV, biogas and 7 years of R&D experience in bioprocess engineering/reactors), Methanica brings together 10+ years of dedicated R&D on support material, reactor and process control with the targeted engineering of Nefigmann GmbH & LUCRAT GmbH.
Sven Nefigmann
Founder & Managing Director, METHANICA GmbH · Dipl.-Ing. (Chemistry), inventor of CarboFerm®; 30+ years of industry experience (wind, PV, biogas) and 7 years of R&D experience in bioprocess engineering/reactors.
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Engineering Team
System engineering, industrial integration, and process design.
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Laboratory
Biological process development, testing, and validation.
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Pilot Facility
Engineering validation and preparation for industrial deployment.
