Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

IOC, R&D developed a process of heterotrophic microalgae with high productivity and high Omega -3 fatty acid rich lipids using various carbon sources. However, IOC, R&D was exploring the most sustainable and cost effective carbon source for favorable economics. LanzaTech was having an anaerobic gas fermentation process platform of production of dilute acetic acid from carbon dioxide and hydrogen and was in the process of exploring suitable and economical application. Both the parties found opportunity of synergy in both the processes to explore the possibility of use of acetic acid as source of carbon for the IOC,R&D developed heterotrophic lipid process. Therefore, both the parties joined hands for the collaboration in making the whole proposition economically viable.

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Best Estimate of GHG Avoidance/Reduction of This Project (Tonnes CO2 Equivalent/Year):

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

This technology has demonstrated the tremendous potential of carbon capturing and recycling to fuel & food and would resolve the problem of food vs fuel caused by other technologies. The technology shall create a platform that can produce sustainable fuels and food economically. IOC has long focused on increasing energy access and integration of both the processes shall lead to a step closer to increasing access to affordable energy & nutrition for all. This disruptive technology shall not only reduce carbon emissions but also produce very high value products like omega 3 fatty acids as well as fatty acids for biodiesel production ( Biofuels) for energy security and clean environment.
It would also provide affordable energy to all classes of society and would also enables employment and industrial growth. Manufacturing sector will also get a boost as most the plant equipment will be manufactured locally. These plants will employ both skilled and unskilled workers of either gender and skill development will take place gradually as new plants are built.
Today‚ energy solutions are largely based on fossil fuels, but this game changing innovation utilizes available, non-food, local resources and offers additional regional solutions that enable energy democratization, giving all people irrespective of gender access to sufficient, secure and affordable energy.

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Mission Statement:

A novel 3rd Generation Bio-fuel technology has been developed by integrating the LanzaTech USA anerobic gas fermentation technology to convert carbon dioxide into acetic acid and IOC(R&D) aerobic fermentation technology to convert acetic acid to high yield lipids ( algal oil) including highly valuable Omega 3-fatty acids (DHAs) and other fatty oils .
The challenge of integrating anaerobic and aerobic pathways into continuous process has been accomplished successfully at DBT-IOC Centre with recirculation of media and minimizing the acid base consumption .
The process of in situ trans-esterification of dry algae has also been developed to convert lipids omega-3 fatty acids into their usable ethyl ester counterparts.
The separation of high value omega-3 fatty esters as pharmaceuticals / nutraceuticals and other fatty acid ester as Biodiesel fuel has also been accomplished.
Alternative process pathways used mixture of carbon source ( Glycerol + acetic acid) have also been worked out.