Bioelectrocatalysis Ethylene Synthesis

The goal of the project is development of a direct carbon utilisation technology to convert biogas and flue gases into bioethylene and techno-commercial assessment of building manufacturing capability in the UK.

The project will deliver a biosynthesis technology which will convert carbon dioxide in flue gases and wastewater into chemicals such as bioethylene, without the need of carbon capture and Hydrogen, which are the two biggest cost contributors to the cost of e-fuels. The project will also deliver adoption of technical, automation and manufacturing advancements to reduce the cost of manufacturing and develop a techno-commercial assessment of building a competitive manufacturing facility in the UK.

The project will be delivered in collaboration between Transformational Energy Limited and MTC (Manufacturing Technology Centre).

The project will accelerate the adoption of engineering biology technology to enhance the energy efficiency of carbon dioxide reduction processes, which would accelerate decarbonisation of industries as well as develop biomanufacturing capability in the UK. The project will also lead to development of highly skilled services in engineering biology sector, and export opportunity of bioreactors and associated services to countries such as EU, USA, Japan and South Korea.

The cost of bioethylene produced from the engineering biology process is expected to be highly cost competitive as compared to traditional thermochemical technologies for production of e-fuels.

The innovation will advance the leadership position of United Kingdom in the area of engineering biology and develop a large scale and high margin sector with significant export potential.