Shell-Backed Frying Pans to Reduce Use of Natural Gas
Nearly 70% of homes use natural gas for cooking, and around 80% of the energy from this is lost as heat during the cooking process.
If humans continue using natural gas at current rates, it is expected to run out by 2060 and whilst 50% better than coal, natural gas still accounts for around 15% of total energy-related GHG emissions from fossil fuels.
With these figures in mind, a simple kitchen swap could make a huge difference. Energy giant Shell has backed a start-up that makes energy efficient frying pans.
Effium says its ultra-efficient pan requires 50% less gas to heat up than other pans and stays hot for longer.
Anne Schreuder, Societal Impact Director at Shell, says the pans are “an incredible solution for more sustainable cooking.
“Thanks to support from the Shell Impact Fund, Effium has been able to start production on this groundbreaking product, helping drive innovation in the energy transition space.”
How the Shell Impact Fund makes a difference
Shell has ongoing initiatives to invest in a sustainable energy transition.
Wael Sawan, Chief Executive Officer at Shell, says: "In 2023, we invested $5.6 billion in low-carbon energy solutions, including biofuels, hydrogen, charging for electric vehicles and renewable power generation; and $2.3 billion on non-energy products such as chemicals, lubricants and convenience retail, which do not produce emissions when our customers use them.
"This amounted to around one-third of our total capital spending in 2023."
The Shell Impact Fund was launched in 2024 and has eight companies in its portfolio as of September.
It aims to support entrepreneurs committed to a just and inclusive energy transition in the Netherlands.
Energy storage, energy coaches, car sharing and water heat pumps are just some of the technologies that have backing from this fund.
The Impact Fund is a revolving fund that provides financial support, expertise, guidance and access to Shell’s network.
Surya Prakash, CEO and Co-Founder at Effium Cookware, says the investment “enables us to put the first series of pans into production, to scale up.”
Unknown Solutions collaborates with Shell as an operational partner and fund manager.
The story of Effium Cookware
Surya wasn’t much of a chef, but when he started cooking for himself he noticed how much heat was lost during the process.
Surya says he thought about how hot restaurant kitchens can get as a result of this, and wondered: “If we develop a smart and efficient pan for these problems, one that retains heat better; how much gas could we save worldwide with this?”
He started work with business partner and industrial designer Wytze de Vries to create a more energy-efficient solution.
The pair took inspiration from space technology and spoke with chefs to tailor it to their needs.
Surya says: "Through those conversations, I became more and more convinced of the idea.
“We have retained what chefs like about the pan, and changed what they find less pleasant."
The final design is a durable, non-stick pan with ribs on the bottom that requires 50% less gas than typical pans.
Wytza says: "I am so excited about creating the future of cooking, Effium is all about discovering the next level."
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