Carbon monoxide could be turned into ethanol

LanzaTech has recently received funding of USD$55.8 million (£35.8 million) to fund its attempts at turning carbon monoxide into ethanol on a commercial scale, it has been reported by Forbes.

The Illinois-based company received the funding from the venture arm of Petronas, the national oil company of Malaysia, along with the Dialog Group and the Malaysian Life Sciences Capital Fund. LanzaTech use bacteria discovered in the intestinal tracts of rabbits that breaks down carbon monoxide and reassembles the atoms into ethanol.

The commercial scope of this method is somewhat unlimited, considering that carbon monoxide is widely available and free to use. The system holds the potential to convert greenhouse gases into a marketable commodity, which could further assist in reducing carbon taxes on companies that have environmental regulations to comply to.

LanzaTech has experienced a significant period of growth recently, acquiring oil refineries across the US. 

The company recently acquired a failed biofuel refinery in Georgia Pine, which they hope to turn into a successful biofuel plant after previous failed attempts.

Posted by Claire Manning