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.
