LanzaTech

LanzaTech will combine methane fermentation expertise, experimental bioreactor characterization, as well as advanced simulation and modeling to develop a novel gas fermentation system that can significantly improve gas to liquid mass transfer, or the rate at which methane gas is delivered to a biocatalyst. This unique bioreactor concept seeks to efficiently transfer methane to microbial biocatalysts by reducing the energy demand required for high transfer rates. Although methane is a flammable gas, the new technology also maintains the safe operation necessary for a small-scale conversion process. This bioreactor design would significantly reduce capital and operating costs, enabling small-scale deployment of fuel production from remote natural gas sources. LanzaTech’s new gas fermentation system could help produce liquid fuel at a cost of less than $2 per gallon of gasoline equivalent.

If successful, LanzaTech’s system will process large amounts of methane at a high rate, reducing the costs associated with methane conversion to enable small-scale deployment of natural gas conversion.