Sequesco using C02 as biofuel feedstock with non-photosynthesis process

In California, Sequesco announced a technology that converts CO2 to biofuels with microbes as opposed to photosynthesis. The company said that it converts CO2 to biomass, and then to target fuels such as biodiesel or ethanol. The company utilizes CO2 from coal plants or other major emitters, and its designer bacteria converts a “nutrient broth” and CO2 in a highly scalable bioreactor environment with a low area footprint. The company joins a series of startups such as Mascoma, LS9, Amyris and SunEthanol using designer bugs to produce advanced biofuels, but Sequesco management have not announced a demonstration of the technology at scale.

In related news on alternatives to photosynthesis, a high-value survey of the global yield potential for algae, including an in-depth investigation of the higher-yield potential for growing algae using sugar instead of sunlight, was presented by Dr. Ulrich Steiner at the Biotech Summit. The presentation includes solar calculations around the world, and detailed analysis of photosynthesis and oil conversion efficiencies. A link to the presentation is here.

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

Today in Biofuels Opinion: “Production of energy via photosynthesis — relying on plants to make it for us, is remarkably inefficient … we’re taking [the oil created by] 300 million years of photosynthesis and using it up in something like a century.”

Dr. Robert Allen of Arkansas Tech: “Production of energy via photosynthesis — relying on plants to make it for us, is remarkably inefficient...we’re taking [the oil created by] 300 million years...

Sandia National lab scientists pursue microbes and enzymes that survive high temperatures; cellulosic biofuels breakthrough envisioned

Scientists at Sandia National Labs say that they are discovering microbes and enzymes that survive high-temperature and acidic conditions, and the scientists say that is a key discovery in the pursuit...

Berkeley researchers optimize balance of light absorption and biomass production in microalgae

In California, researchers the the University of California, Berkeley have indentified the genetic instructions for more than 600 chlorophyll molecules in microalgae, with a goal of optimizing the bal...

Draper Fisher Jurvetson lead $5 million Series A financing round in Glycos Biotechnologies; converting low-value, low-purity carbon sources drop in renewable chemicals

In Texas, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and DFJ Mercury announced that they have led and close a $5.0 million series A investment round in Glycos Biotechnologies. Glycos is using microbes and fermentation t...

SunEco claims 200-260K per acre algae yields for polyclonal, deep light system

In California, Automotive Industries is reporting on SunEco Energy, which announced a project to build out a 1320 acre-feet open pond algae system and produce 45 Mgy algae-based crude oil as soon as 2...

OPX Biotechnologies raises $17.5 million in third round of funding for bioacrylic, biodiesel microbe-based technology

In Colorado, OPX Biotechnologies announced that it has raised $17.5 million in third round funding from Braemar Energy Ventures, Altira Group, X/Seed Capital and Mohr Davidow Ventures for its technolo...