Tech Tuesday: Renewable fuel from sunlight, waste CO2 and non-potable water
Tech Tuesday is an ongoing series profiling the Forum’s Technology Pioneers. The Tech Pioneers are companies that have been recognized by the Forum for groundbreaking and innovative approaches in tackling some of the world’s most wicked problems. Each week we will showcase one of the 2012 Tech Pioneers. You can learn more about the Technology Pioneer Programme on the Forum’s website.
Joule Unlimited turns to genetically modified microorganisms to change waste directly into biofuel with a little help from the sun
While manufacturing ethanol from biomass often seems to create nearly as many problems as it solves, the industry is far from giving up. Joule Unlimited is approaching the problem with a dramatic new strategy. Instead of trying to convert conventional agricultural products such as corn or switch grass into fuel, Joule is relying on genetically modified microorganisms, injected carbon dioxide obtained from industrial partners and sunlight to turn waste pumped into giant solar bioreactors into a fuel that can be used without further refinement in conventional diesel engines. The estimated cost, taking into account current subsidies, would be roughly US$ 50 a barrel. Joule estimates that its technology could produce a yearly yield of up to 20,000 gallons of ethanol per acre. The trick is to modify the metabolism of a specific organism, a micro-algae, often known as cyanobacteria, to produce alkanes, a hydrocarbon that mixes readily with diesel fuel. In contrast to other alternative fuels, Joule’s version needs no further refining and can easily blend in with current distribution networks. Joule has just leased 1,200 acres in New Mexico for a test site that can eventually be scaled up to 5,000 acres. If it works as planned, Joule will have succeeded in solving three crucial problems facing the world today: producing an affordable fuel of the future, disposing of unwanted waste and finding a profitable use for carbon dioxide, one of the prime suspects in the debate over climate change.
Noubar Afeyan, Founder and Chairman
Location: MA, USA
Number of Employees: 84
Year Founded: 2007
Joule Unlimited
83 Rogers Street
Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
Telephone: +1 617 354 6100
info@jouleunlimited.com
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