LanzaTech Signs for First Coal to Biological Fuel Project
Business Wire, Sept 07, 2010
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — LanzaTech and one of the largest coal producers in China, Henan Coal and
Chemical Industrial Corporation (HNCC), have signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) for the production of fuels and chemicals.
Ethanol fuels and chemical products will be produced through the
integration of coal gasification and LanzaTechs biological fermentation
process.
The MoU was signed during a ceremony held in the capital of Henan
province, Zhengzhou, with the deputy secretary general of the Communist
Party of CAS Ms Fang Xin and the Vice-Governor of Henan Province Mr Xu
Jichao attending.
Also signed was a separate three way letter of intent regarding the
establishment of a Bio Energy Research Centre for the development, pilot
production and commercialization of the technology to change coal
derived synthesis gas to ethanol fuels and chemicals.
The research centre, supported by multiple research institutes under
CAS, will focus on developing important complementary process
technologies, like product separation, water conservation and process
integration. The research centre will also focus on developing other
high value added technology and products.
LanzaTech has already successfully proven that its proprietary gas
fermentation platform can be used to convert biomass syngas at
laboratory scale. It is envisaged the demonstration facility will be
operational by the second half of 2011.
Dr Jennifer Holmgren, LanzaTechs CEO, said the Henan MOU demonstrates
the continued commitment of China to the development and usage of clean
energy. Early adoption of these technologies will enable China to become
a leader in green energy manufacturing and use.
Our partnership with Henan Coal and Chemical and the Chinese Academy of
Sciences will help reduce the CO2 footprint of Chinas coal
industry, Dr Holmgren said.
Henan Coal and Chemical Industrial Corporation is a China fortune 500
company. In 2009 it was ranked the number two coal company in China and
was positioned as the number one company in China for growth. Based in
Chinas largest province, Henan, the company holds a diverse portfolio
including coal, chemical and non ferrous metal industries
ethanol fermentation