Biofuels from E. Coli

Biofuels from E. Coli


Program:
Electrofuels
Award:
$6,438,793
Location:
Boston, Massachusetts
Status:
CANCELLED
Project Term:
07/16/2010 - 01/15/2014

Technology Description:

Ginkgo Bioworks is bypassing photosynthesis and engineering E. coli to directly use carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce biofuels. E. coli doesn't naturally metabolize CO2, but Ginkgo Bioworks is manipulating and incorporating the genes responsible for CO2 metabolism into the microorganism. By genetically modifying E. coli, Ginkgo Bioworks will enhance its rate of CO2 consumption and liquid fuel production. Ginkgo Bioworks is delivering CO2 to E. coli as formic acid, a simple industrial chemical that provides energy and CO2 to the bacterial system.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Ginkgo Bioworks would create a liquid transportation fuel that is cost competitive with traditional gasoline-based fuels and 10 times more efficient than existing biofuels.

Security:

Cost-competitive electrofuels would help reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil and increase the nation's energy security.

Environment:

Widespread use of electrofuels would help limit greenhouse gas emissions and reduce demands for land, water, and fertilizer traditionally required to produce biofuels.

Economy:

A domestic electrofuels industry could contribute tens of billions of dollars to the nation's economy. Widespread use of electrofuels could also help stabilize gasoline prices—saving drivers money at the pump.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Ramon Gonzalez
Project Contact:
Dr. Jason Kelly
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
jason@ginkgobioworks.com

Partners

University of Washington
University of California, Berkeley
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

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Release Date:
02/07/2009