US Joule Unlimited secures patent for diesel synthesis technology

(ADPnews) - Sep 15, 2010 - US biotechnologies developer Joule Unlimited Inc said today it had received a US patent for its technology to convert sunlight and waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into diesel molecules without the need of raw material feedstock.

The patent covers Joule's method of using engineered photosynthetic microorganisms to function as bio-catalysts and directly synthesise diesel molecules. The technology needs only sunlight, waste CO2 and non-fresh water for the production of diesel-range hydrocarbons, substances chemically distinct from biodiesel and compatible with existing infrastructures. The process does not require any expensive intermediates like sugar, algal or agricultural biomass, fresh water, agricultural land nor downstream processing.

Joule's platform targets 15,000 gallons (56,800 litres) production of diesel per acre a year. Pilot production is to commence by the end of this year. In addition, the company plans to also produce ethanol with the help of the same technology at a rate of 10,000 gallons/acre annually, which represents 40% of its total productivity target. Pilot activities on the ethanol project are already in progress in Leander, Texas.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!