Engineering Bacteria for Efficient Fuel Production
Technology Description:
OPX Biotechnologies is engineering a microorganism currently used in industrial biotechnology to directly produce a liquid fuel from hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2). The microorganism has the natural ability to use hydrogen and CO2 for growth. OPX Biotechnologies is modifying the microorganism to divert energy and carbon away from growth and towards the production of liquid fuels in larger, commercially viable quantities. The microbial system will produce a fuel precursor that can be chemically upgraded to various hydrocarbon fuels.
Potential Impact:
If successful, OPX Biotechnologies 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. Michael Lynch
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
mlynch@opxbio.com
Partners
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Johnson Mathey PLC
Related Projects
Release Date:
02/07/2009