Full steam ahead toward a cleaner, more efficient China

Based on conventional SCR/SNCR technology - the method of lessening nitrogen oxide emissions in conventional power plants that burn biomass, waste and coal - LP Amina's systems are particularly tailored to provide solutions for the unique challenges facing the Chinese power industry, such as its use of high ash, and low volatile coals, Latta said.

LP Amina now has R&D engineers working in the United States and China, and Latta says there is great willingness in China for new technologies to be accepted by the coal and energy industries.

"We cooperate with many Chinese companies on new technologies, and we have also been able to sell our products and knowledge all over the world," he said, adding that the average price of what would be considered a large-scale contract is $2 million.

In China, LP Amina has completed projects in various locations including Yixin, Jiangsu province; Xingtai, Hebei province; Fengtai, Anhui province; Guangzhou, Guangdong province; and in Beijing.

It has also completed two projects in the US, and is looking to expand into Mexico, South Korea, and Columbia.

Latta uses the example of Yixing-Union Cogeneration, a coal-fired power station in Yixing city, Jiangsu province, as being typical of what can be achieved, after cutting nitrous oxide emissions there by 50 percent.

Hu Zhijie, deputy general manager at the Yixing-Union plant said: "We had a great experience working with LP Amina in 2009 - we were amazed by the passion and technical expertise they put into this project.

"In the years since, we have developed a trusted relationship and that's one of the reasons we have just awarded it three more contracts."

Latta said in the short term, the company plans to set up three or four more R&D centers to further develop its technology.

The company is also working with the global company Bayer Technology Services to develop ways of better-using coal-based chemical resources.

LP Amina raised about $10 million from China-focused HAO Capital in 2010, and previously received money from Qiming Venture Partners, another local venture capital investment company.

Elaine Wang, HAO's founding partner, said that it only invests in companies that are looking to expand.

She first met Latta in a Beijing restaurant in 2007, when he had just left Alstom and was planning to set up LP Amina.

"We were impressed by his technology background and his determination to make China cleaner," Wang said.

"Of all De-NOx technologies available, we view his in-furnace solution as the best available to operate right in the heart of a boiler."

Wang said HAO Capital's support of LP Amina includes not only direct financial investment, but also access to its business contacts and other resources, which will help it expand.