The M-K-T mixed-use development in The Heights (Courtesy: M-K-T)

Two Energy 2.0 companies announced they will be relocating their headquarters to Houston in recent days, helping solidify the Bayou City as a leader in the energy transition.

Archaea Energy, one of the largest renewable natural gas producers in the U.S., is relocating from Pittsburgh to the new M-K-T mixed-use development in The Heights. Archaea is an industry leader in developing, constructing, and operating RNG facilities to capture waste emissions and convert them into low carbon fuel.

A company spokesperson told the Houston Chronicle that Archaea picked Houston for its new headquarters because of the access to talent available within the energy capital of the world.

“Archaea’s decision to move their corporate headquarters to Houston is a testament to our region’s position leading the energy transition,” said Susan Davenport, Chief Economic Development Officer at the Greater Houston Partnership. “Houston has been at the center of innovation for over a century with a rich history in the energy industry. We thank Archaea for their investment in the Houston community and welcome their innovation to our region.” 

Not far away, biomaterials company Bucha Bio is relocating from New York to open a next-gen materials headquarters at the East End Maker Hub. The company, founded in 2019, specializes in textiles and composite materials made from renewable bacterial nanocellulose.

According to a company press release, Houston scored the relocation because of its access to venture capital, existing polymer and chemical manufacturers, hiring potential, top tier universities and quality of life.

Houston has one of the largest and deeply skilled energy workforces in the world with more than 220,000 energy-related workers, an asset that leaders believe will continue to draw Energy 2.0 companies like Arachaea and Bucha Bio to the region. 

In 2021, the Partnership launched the Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI) and an accompanying strategy to leverage Houston’s energy leadership to accelerate global solutions for a low-carbon future. One of HETI’s objectives is attracting and supporting companies and startups growing “new energy” industries, and those focused on breakthroughs in advanced materials, energy efficiency and geothermal energy.

Greentown Labs, the cleantech startup incubator that opened last year in Midtown, has also accepted Bucha Bio as a member company.

Learn how Houston is leading the global energy transition. Learn more about the work of our Energy 2.0 Committee and other Regional Economic Development Advisory committees.