Turning Bacteria into Biofuel

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Program:
Electrofuels
Award:
$3,439,506
Location:
Berkeley, California
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
07/16/2010 - 12/31/2014

Technology Description:

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is improving the natural ability of a common soil bacteria called Ralstonia eutropha to use hydrogen and carbon dioxide for biofuel production. First, LBNL is genetically modifying the bacteria to produce biofuel at higher concentrations. Then, LBNL is using renewable electricity obtained from solar, wind, or wave power to produce high amounts of hydrogen in the presence of the bacteria—increasing the organism's access to its energy source and improving the efficiency of the biofuel-creation process. Finally, LBNL is tethering electrocatalysts to the bacteria's surface which will further accelerate the rate at which the organism creates biofuel. LBNL is also developing a chemical method to transform the biofuel that the bacteria produce into ready-to-use jet fuel.

Potential Impact:

If successful, LBNL 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. Steven Singer
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
swsinger@lbl.gov

Partners

Logos Technologies
University of California, Berkeley

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Release Date:
02/07/2009