Better Enzymes for Carbon Capture

Better Enzymes for Carbon Capture


Program:
IMPACCT
Award:
$4,657,045
Location:
Redwood City, California
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
07/01/2010 - 06/30/2012

Technology Description:

Codexis is developing new and efficient forms of enzymes known as carbonic anhydrases to absorb CO2 more rapidly and under challenging conditions found in the gas exhaust of coal-fired power plants. Carbonic anhydrases are common and are among the fastest enzymes, but they are not robust enough to withstand the harsh environment found in the power plant exhaust steams. In this project, Codexis will be using proprietary technology to improve the enzymes' ability to withstand high temperatures and large swings in chemical composition. The project aims to develop a carbon-capture process that uses less energy and less equipment than existing approaches. This would reduce the cost of retrofitting today's coal-fired power plants.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Codexis' enzymes would enable CO2 capture under the challenging conditions of coal-fired power plants and improve the cost-effectiveness of carbon capture technology.

Security:

Enabling continued use of domestic coal for electricity generation will preserve the stability of the electric grid.

Environment:

Carbon capture technology could prevent more than 800 million tons of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere each year.

Economy:

Enabling cost-effective carbon capture systems could accelerate their adoption at existing power plants.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Karma Sawyer
Project Contact:
Dr. James Lalonde
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
jim.lalonde@codexis.com

Partners

Nexant, Inc.

Related Projects


Release Date:
02/07/2009