LanzaTech expands biofuel programme

LanzaTech has bought a biofuel plant in Georgia for US$5.1 million, after previous owner Range Fuels Inc went into liquidation last year, according to Stuff. 

The site is used to turn wood residue into fuel, with the company is expected to use the same biotechnology it already employs in steel mills. The process involves bacteria that convert waste gases from steel mills and oil refineries into ethanol and other chemicals that can then be used as biofuel. The company will use its existing proprietary technology in conjunction with the technology that currently exists at the site.

LanzaTech is one of the leading companies in providing biofuels for the aviation industry. The company has entered into partnership with Sir Richard Branson's airline Virgin Atlantic, with the British owner flying to visit the companies lab in Auckland, New Zealand, last year.

LanzaTech chief executive Dr Jennifer Holmgren said that while LanzaTech's ethanol-based jetfuel production was still passing through the testing and regulatory phase, it would pass muster within about two years.

The company already operates at the Bluescope Steel mill south of Auckland, and has recently begun commercial application at a Bao Steel plant in China. It is also building a demo plant in Shanghai, which will produce 100,000 gallons of fuel per year.

Posted by Joseph Hutton