1 March 2024
MOLECULAR ENERGIES PLC
("Molecular" or the
"Company")
Update on Corporate and Trading
Matters
Molecular Energies (AIM: MEN), the international
energy company, provides an update on corporate and trading
matters.
Key
Points:
· Tapir x-1 exploration
well, Paraguay, suspended. Participants reviewing next steps
· Positive cash receipts
from Argentina continue
· Strategic developments
with regards to Green House Capital Group including receipt of UK
government EIS advance assurance
· Sustainable Aviation
Fuel studies progress
TAPIR X-1
The Paraguay exploration well Tapir x-1 has been
suspended due to tough drilling conditions without reaching the
target zone. The drilling rig has been retained on site pending
further decision by the participants, taking into account the
risk-reward ratio of the well. Further information will be provided
at the relevant time subject to confidentiality and regulatory
restrictions. Investors are reminded that this was frontier
exploration with an estimated 17% chance of success.
ARGENTINA
CONTINUES POSITIVE CASH CONTRIBUTION
Molecular is pleased to announce that President
Petroleum S.A., the former subsidiary of Molecular, has continued
to pay down the US$13 million of debt due to Molecular.
Approximately US$1.28 million has now been paid down within the
last four months and expectations are that funds will continue to
flow.
GREEN HOUSE
CAPITAL GROUP ("GHC")
Significant progress has been made in relation
to GHC, which will be subject to a separate announcement early next
week. GHC has been granted EIS advance assurance by HM Revenue
& Customs ("HMRC") in relation to the UK government's EIS
scheme. Based on the receipt of EIS advance assurance, the
directors of GHC also believe that a prospective investment in GHC
should constitute a 'qualifying holding' for a Venture Capital
Trust ("VCT").
SUSTAINABLE
AVIATION FUEL ("SAF")
As previously announced, studies commenced with
Aecom, the worldwide engineering consultancy, to investigate the
feasibility of Molecular moving into the business of SAF. These
studies continue to progress before any final decisions are
made.
The skill set of Molecular, its management and
its related parties as well as its knowledge of multi-lateral
funders and institutions supportive in principle of SAF projects,
place Molecular in a beneficial position should the results of the
feasibility studies prove positive.
SAF has a captive, permanent and increasing
future offtake market as airlines around the world have committed
to increase the use of this product. Production is a complex
process and requires a substantial investment. Further updates will
be made in due course.
ATOME
PLC
Molecular notes the progress of Atome and the
Board remains of the view that Molecular's investment in Atome will
generate substantial shareholder value for Molecular shareholders
in future.
Peter Levine,
Chair, commented:
"The result of the Tapir x-1 well, whilst
disappointing, is not surprising given it is the frontier
exploration. Sometimes it is the better decision in tough drilling
conditions to make a bold resolution to suspend rather than
continuing in escalating cumulative down hole issues, especially
taking into account the risk-reward ratio.
"The progress being made in Green House is
promising, as is the continued cash flow coming from the previously
disposed Argentine business. This bodes well for the future and
complete collection of the US$13 million intercompany
debt."
For more information, please
visit www.molecularenergiesplc.com
or contact:
Molecular Energies PLC
Peter Levine, Chairman
Rob Shepherd, Group FD
|
+44 (0)20 7016 7950
info@molecularenergiesplc.com
|
Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (Nominated Adviser
& Broker)
Simon Hicks, George Dollemore
|
+44 (0)20 7220 0500
|
Tavistock (Financial PR & IR)
Simon Hudson, Nick Elwes, Charles
Baister
|
+44 (0)20 7920 3150
|
Notes to Editors
Molecular Energies PLC is an AIM
listed company at the forefront of energy development and has
interests across the energy spectrum, from an oil and gas project
to the green and alternative energy sector.
The Company currently has an oil
exploration asset in Paraguay. The Company has two separate
subdivisions which are focused on early-stage opportunities in the
green and/or alternative energy sub-sector.
Activities in the green and
alternative energy space are being carried out direct through
Molecular and under the Green House Capital brand and through AIM
listed Atome Energy PLC, a green hydrogen, ammonia, and fertiliser
company operating in Paraguay, Costa Rica and Iceland, in which
Molecular currently has 18.8%.
With a strong strategic and
institutional base of support, no third-party financial debt and a
Chairman whose interests as the largest shareholder are aligned to
those of its shareholders, Molecular gives UK investors access to
an energy growth story combined with world class standards of
corporate governance, environmental and social
responsibility.
The information contained within this announcement is deemed
by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under
the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of
UK Domestic Law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act
2018 ("UK MAR"). The person who arranged for the release of this
announcement on behalf of the Company was Robert Shepherd,
Finance Director.
-ends-