FULCRUM BIOSCIENCE, LLC — Department of Energy STTR Phase I: 08c

Description

Logistical shortages of ammonia, coupled with the high cost of new manufacturing plants, >$2BB, leads to lower agricultural output and lost revenue. The current Haber-Bosch process is also energy intensive and consumes ~1% of the total world energy output. Fulcrum Biosciences, FBS, with the University of Utah as subcontractor will develop a bio-electrochemical process that converts air into ammonia using an advanced nitrogenase enzyme. This process uses much less energy and cheaper plants. This project will focus on developing the process for commercial use by improving reaction rates and the enzyme activity and lifetime. This technology will generate ammonia from air at room temperature and pressure using alternative energy. Ammonia is used in fertilizer and as a commodity chemical. The mild conditions of this process enable low-cost, small-scale distributed production. This technology will also allow increased agricultural growth by alleviating logistical shortfalls in fertilizer and lower energy consumption.