In Colorado, based on research initially funded by DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, NREL granted Crysalis commercial licenses to three novel biological technologies to produce bio-based chemicals and fuels, including:
· 2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BDO): This technology leverages a modified strain of Zymomonas mobilis to produce 2,3-BDO instead of ethanol, which can be used to produce polymers and butadiene, a key ingredient in bio-derived rubber for tires.
· Carboxylic Acids to Aviation Fuel: This process converts America’s plentiful sources of waste and biomass into carboxylic acids, which can be upgraded to a jet fuel blendstock, serving as an abundant energy source for export and the domestic aviation industry.
· Acetonitrile: This process allows for the production of ultrahigh purity acetonitrile, a high-demand solvent in pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as other high-performance, high-volume materials like advanced batteries.
The licensing of these three technologies showcases how the NREL/Crysalis partnership can leverage America’s plentiful biomass and waste feedstocks—more than 1 billion tons according to a recent DOE study—to drive homegrown production of critical materials and agricultural products the country needs and reduce its reliance on imports.
Tags: Colorado, Crysalis, NREL
Category: Fuels
