Norfolk-based Tree Associates is scaling three breakthrough innovations that address urgent decarbonisation challenges across industry, energy storage and refrigeration.

Tree has developed a high-efficiency carbon capture system for heavy industries, a compressed air energy storage solution known as AirBattery and a low-energy carbon dioxide refrigeration technology.

All three innovations are powered by the same turbine, which can be retrofitted into existing systems, allowing the technology to be deployed across multiple industrial settings.

Its patented carbon capture process removes over 95% of carbon dioxide with far lower energy use than traditional chemical systems. It doesn’t require water and continues to work effectively even when gases contain pollutants like nitrogen or sulphur oxides. The AirBattery stores surplus renewable energy at a fraction of the cost of lithium-ion batteries, while its refrigeration technology reduces electricity use by up to 40% – offering clean, scalable solutions for global industrial markets.

Johan Neethling, CEO of Tree, says: “Our technology is built to solve real-world industrial problems – whether that’s cutting the cost of carbon capture or replacing diesel generators with clean, low-maintenance energy storage. We’re developing scalable tools that help high-impact sectors decarbonise without adding complexity.”

Funding support unlocks route to deployment

Tree first engaged with Innovate UK Business Growth in December 2022. After a comprehensive needs assessment, Innovation and Growth Specialists Mike Garrick Green and later Robert Smith worked closely with the company to co-develop a tailored action plan that prioritised raising grant funding and investment readiness – key steps in accelerating progress from prototype to demonstrator.

In March 2023, after guidance in approaching grant funding as part of their overall funding strategy, Tree secured a £25,000 Growth Through Innovation grant – delivered locally via the New Anglia Growth Hub – to advance its carbon capture technology, enabling vital technical refinements.

Johan adds: “We’re focused on practical, scalable solutions and Innovate UK Business Growth’s support has been a major factor in helping us get there faster. The momentum we’ve gained has also given investors confidence, helping us to build the team we need to move into deployment.”

Investment readiness and market insight build commercial confidence

Tree’s upward trajectory has also been shaped by support from Innovate UK Business Growth to improve investment readiness and sharpen its commercial strategy. Through the Invest-Ability Intensive Training initiative, the team received targeted coaching to refine its valuation, improve its investor pitch and understand how to engage effectively with potential funders. This proved especially timely as the company moved into a new funding round to support demonstrator delivery.

At the same time, Tree benefitted from evidence-based insights via Innovate UK Business Growth’s in-house research capability in 2024. This research helped the business understand where its carbon capture system and AirBattery would have the greatest impact and strongest demand. With guidance from its specialists, the company was able to focus on the most promising applications.

Recognising that strong security measures are vital for growth unimpeded by competitive or malicious threats, Tree Associates applied for and successfully secured a Secure Innovation Security Review grant in July 2025. This helped the company improve its information security processes, strengthening its credibility with both buyers and investors and protecting valuable intellectual property (IP) as it prepares to scale.

Alongside public funding, the business has raised £2.5 million in equity investment, with £500,000 already committed. This influx of capital has already enabled Tree to create five new jobs and is now allowing it to recruit seven additional specialist roles to support delivery of its demonstrators.

International connections drive growth and global validation

To strengthen its global reach and form high-value partnerships, Tree was supported through an Innovate UK Global Explorers mission to the US in summer 2024. This initiative helped the company engage with international researchers, including a collaboration with Purdue University in Indiana, that enhanced its technical plan and credibility with partners.

In October 2024, as part of the Zero Emission Generators (ZE-Gen) Technology Accelerator, Tree took part in a territory visit to Nigeria and secured two Innovate UK grants – £70,000 for Phase 1 and £134,000 for Phase 2. This support enabled the company to validate its AirBattery concept, build and test commercial prototypes and prepare for its first real-world deployment.

In May 2025, the company took part in the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town through Innovate UK’s Global Alliance Africa initiative, a UK International Development programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The event gave Tree the opportunity to meet prospective collaborators and energy industry stakeholders from across the continent.

These engagements directly supported the company’s global strategy, which includes AirBattery deployment in Nigeria, replacing diesel generators with clean, low-maintenance energy storage. The Nigerian demonstrator will improve energy reliability, cut pollution and reduce dependency on volatile fuel prices for communities and businesses alike.

Meanwhile, closer to home, Tree is now in early-stage dialogue with Spirit Energy to explore how its carbon capture system could integrate with one of the UK’s largest carbon storage hubs – an introduction made through Robert’s network as part of the tailored support offered by Innovate UK Business Growth.

Johan concludes: “Through Innovate UK support, we’ve built a platform for scale. Whether it’s introductions, funding, or market insight, their backing has helped convert ambition into tangible outcomes.”

Through Innovate UK support, we’ve built a platform for scale. Whether it’s introductions, funding, or market insight, their backing has helped convert ambition into tangible outcomes.

– Johan Neethling, CEO of Tree Associates