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Turning Pollution into Jet Fuel
Sep 19, 2024
Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech, specializes in converting pollution into valuable fuels. She discusses the innovative process of transforming carbon emissions into ethanol using bacteria. The conversation dives into the economic viability and scaling challenges of sustainable fuel production. Holmgren also addresses the role of sustainable aviation fuels in reducing emissions, and the importance of supportive policies for new energy solutions. Her optimism for sustainable energy shines through, highlighting local economies and innovative practices.
38:45
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Quick takeaways
- LanzaTech utilizes bacteria to convert industrial carbon emissions into ethanol, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional food crop-derived fuels.
- The company faces challenges in scaling production and establishing partnerships, critical for the commercial viability of their innovative pollution-to-fuel technology.
Deep dives
Innovative Ethanol Production from Pollution
A company has developed a groundbreaking method for producing ethanol from carbon emissions, particularly from steel plants. By leveraging unique bacteria, specifically C. autothanogenum, they convert harmful gases like carbon monoxide into ethanol, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional ethanol sources derived from food crops. This approach not only tackles pollution but also addresses issues related to food supply and prices associated with increased agricultural output for fuel. The transformative process involves optimizing the bacteria through directed evolution, enabling them to efficiently produce ethanol instead of the naturally favored acetate.
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