Petredec, a global leader in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with UK-based startup Carnot Engines to accelerate the deployment of next-generation, highly efficient, fuel-flexible engine technology across the transport, maritime and power generation sectors.
Carnot Engines’ proprietary engine can achieve thermal efficiencies of up to 70% under targeted operating conditions, more than double that of conventional combustion engines, significantly reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions. Efficiency gains are driven by a novel opposed-piston design and advanced high-temperature materials which significantly reduce heat losses to unlock energy typically lost in conventional engines. The technology is underpinned by a growing portfolio of proprietary patents.
The engine is designed to operate across a broad range of fuels, including LPG, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuels, biogas, LNG and diesel, and can switch between fuels as required. This fuel flexibility provides a low-risk, adaptable decarbonisation solution across heavy-duty power sectors. The partnership combines Petredec’s operational expertise and global industrial asset base with Carnot Engines’ innovative technology to accelerate the development of engines that are highly efficient, multi-fuel capable and ready for real-world deployment across multiple sectors.
‘This partnership reflects our conviction that sustainability must be delivered through practical, implementable solutions,’ says Philip Harwood, Petredec Fleet Director and Carnot Board Member. ‘We are focused on achievable pathways that make our operations more efficient and environmentally responsible. LPG is a cleaner burning, readily available fuel, and combining it with Carnot Engines’ highly efficient engines, creates an optimal synergy to deliver cleaner power and transport at lower cost, while benefiting the environment. We are excited to fund the R&D for the LPG version of the Carnot engine and to become shareholders. Having met with Carnot Engines’ founders, it’s clear that they share Petredec’s passion for sustainability and commitment to their technology. Carnot Engines has assembled an exceptional design and engineering team, from aerospace and elite motor sports to quantum physics, whose vision and attention to detail have already set new benchmarks. We are proud to partner with them in bringing this innovative technology to market.’
Carnot Engines has attracted support from leading industrial and academic partners. Alongside Petredec, shareholders include Oxford University Innovation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Carisbrooke Shipping, reflecting the calibre of its technology and strategy.
Archie Watts-Farmer, CEO, Carnot Engines, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Petredec. As a company, Petredec offer a unique and perfect fit with our strategy to accelerate the delivery of decarbonised power solutions into our target markets. Petredec’s deep expertise across the whole value chain provides the perfect knowledge to optimise our engines for LPG fuel, which we believe will provide a key role in the decarbonising pathway for many industries.”
Durability testing is targeted to commence Q2 2026, with initial commercial demonstrators anticipated to follow in H2 2026, subject to development milestones.
