Natural Oil Production from Microorganisms

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Program:
Electrofuels
Award:
$3,863,563
Location:
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
07/15/2010 - 03/31/2014

Technology Description:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is using carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen generated from electricity to produce natural oils that can be upgraded to hydrocarbon fuels. MIT has designed a 2-stage biofuel production system. In the first stage, hydrogen and CO2 are fed to a microorganism capable of converting these feedstocks to a 2-carbon compound called acetate. In the second stage, acetate is delivered to a different microorganism that can use the acetate to grow and produce oil. The oil can be removed from the reactor tank and chemically converted to various hydrocarbons. The electricity for the process could be supplied from novel means currently in development, or more proven methods such as the combustion of municipal waste, which would also generate the required CO2 and enhance the overall efficiency of MIT's biofuel-production system.

Potential Impact:

If successful, MIT 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. Gregory Stephanopoulos
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
gregstep@mit.edu

Partners

Harvard University
University of Delaware

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Release Date:
02/07/2009