Pendleton, SC – June 4, 2024 – Tetramer Technologies, LLC is proud to announce that was honored
with the 2023 SBIR/STTR Small Business of the Year Award by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at
a ceremony today in Minneapolis, MN. This prestigious recognition highlights Tetramer’s innovative
contributions to environmentally sustainable technologies and their successful commercialization
efforts within the energy sector.
The SBIR/STTR Small Business of the Year Award recognizes a U.S. small business that exemplifies
the spirit of the DOE’s SBIR and STTR programs by enhancing high-technology research and
development (R&D) competitiveness both within the Department and in the marketplace. Award
recipients are evaluated on their exceptional performance in stimulating
U.S. technological innovation, providing benefits from DOE-funded R&D, and contributing to
U.S. economic growth through commercialization of innovations.
This award was conferred for Tetramer’s groundbreaking work funded by the DOE Water Power
Technologies Office (WPTO) SBIR program. Tetramer developed a biobased, biodegradable, non-toxic,
and non-bioaccumulating turbine oil, VBASE® Hydro T-EL™, designed to meet the rigorous demands of
hydropower facilities while being environmentally friendly. Central to this achievement is
Tetramer’s development of the Secondary Polyol Ester™ base oil technology, which forms the
foundation of VBASE® Hydro T-EL™.
Innovation and Sustainability
VBASE® Hydro T-EL™ and the larger VBASE SPE® base oil line stand out for their unique molecular
structure, providing superior performance and compatibility without the environmental drawbacks of
traditional petroleum-based lubricants. The oil meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
standards for environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs), is listed on the EU Ecolabel LuSC-list,
and has achieved USDA BioPreferred certification for its high biobased content.
Commercial Success and Industry Partnerships
Tetramer has established key international partnerships to drive the commercial deployment of the
turbine oil, VBASE® Hydro T-EL™. Collaborations with global industry leaders such as GE Renewable
Energy and hydropower operators like Natel Energy, Vattenfall, and the Porjus Hydropower Centre
Foundation in Sweden underscore the oil’s utility. Additionally, Tetramer has engaged over 400
lubricant formulators and end users, with more than 60 companies currently evaluating samples.
Their first commercial installation in a U.S. hydropower facility is scheduled
for Q4 2024.
Global Market Expansion
Tetramer has transitioned the commercialization of its base oils and lubricant technology to its
subsidiary, VBASE® Oil Company. This move will further enhance the products’ market reach.
Engagements with North American distributor Sea-Land Chemical and European lubricant companies are
setting the stage for global expansion. Achieving REACH regulatory certification, expected in Q3
2024, will open the $1.5 billion EU synthetic ester base oil market.
Commitment to DOE’s Mission
Tetramer’s work aligns with the DOE’s mission to stimulate U.S. technological innovation and
promote economic growth. With patented technologies and active collaborations with academic and
research institutions, Tetramer exemplifies the impact of SBIR/STTR funding on advancing
sustainable technologies. The nomination for this award was made by Dana McCoskey, Environmental
Technologies Manager with the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Water Power Technologies
Office, recognizing Tetramer’s significant contributions to the field.
Quotes
“This award is a testament to the hard work and innovation of our entire team at Tetramer,” said
Dr. Jeff DiMaio, CEO of Tetramer Technologies. “It highlights our commitment to pushing the
boundaries of material science to create solutions that meet the ever-growing demands of industry
while prioritizing environmental sustainability.”
Zach Hunt, Principal Investigator on the program accepting the award at the DOE Small Business
Forum and Expo today said, “Receiving this award is a tremendous honor for our team. It validates
our 7 years of continuous effort in creating sustainable and innovative solutions for the
hydropower industry. As industries increasingly shift to sustainable lubricants, the DOE’s backing
has been crucial in helping us address the unique needs of the hydropower sector.”
About Tetramer Technologies
Operating in Pendleton, SC since 2001, Tetramer Technologies is an advanced materials company
dedicated to the development of market-driven materials and transitioning those materials from the
lab to market. With extensive R&D and manufacturing capabilities, Tetramer serves as both a
research partner and a supplier of proprietary materials. The team includes scientists and
engineers with backgrounds in organic, physical, polymer, and analytical chemistry, materials
science, and chemical engineering with expertise in materials design, synthesis, analytical
characterization, and scale-up.
Company websites: www.tetramer.com and www.vbaseoil.com
DOE SBIR/STTR Small Business Awards program:
https://www.energy.gov/osdbu/annual-small-business-awards-program
Recent Comments