LanzaTech celebrates 150 days and 20M gallons of ethanol production at Shougang facility

In China, LanzaTech’s Shougang commercial carbon recycling facility reached 150 days of full capacity continuous operation in November, a significant achievement for a first of a kind technology at scale. Production at the site itself has exceeded 20 million gallons of ethanol since startup which is the equivalent of keeping 100,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.

The Skokie, Illinois based team have been tracking the plant’s progress with an onsite and virtual carbon clock, where on Dec 2, they watched as the carbon counter ticked over 100,000 tons of CO2 abated.

As part of the celebrations, LanzaTech reached out to local Skokie brewery, Sketchbook Brewing to see if the gas fermentation milestones could be translated into more traditional fermentation and used as the inspiration for a celebration beer.

“LanzaTech polled their employees to choose a style they would like,” said Cesar Marron, Sketchbook’s head brewer. “Hoppy and Saison were the most picked. So, since New Zealand is where LanzaTech was founded we thought it would make sense to use New Zealand Hops in this batch. The beer is a dry, effervescent saison with a nice spiciness and citrus peel flavor. Great on its own, or paired with your favorite cheese, bread, or any other food really.” The result? A beer called “The 150” referring to the 150 days of continuous gas fermentation at commercial scale, with the actual daily production graph incorporated into the label design. While the LanzaTech team will be celebrating together apart with a few virtual beer tastings over the holidays, Sketchbook is offering limited quantities of this unique brew—available for pickup or delivery from their Evanston or Skokie locations.