Congratulations are due to synthetic biology company LS9, which scooped the 2010 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award with its “Renewable Petroleum” technology.
The idea is to convert sustainable, plant-based materials into low-carbon fuels and chemicals with LS9 modifying the ACP pathway in bacteria to produce renewable hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals with optimised properties. It is compatible with existing infrastructure but benefits from a more desirable environmental footprint when compared to a conventional diesel.
According to LS9 estimates, production of its UltraClean Diesel provides an 85 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional petroleum diesel. In addition, it is free of benzene, which is a common carcinogen generally associated with conventional diesel products.
The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards Program focuses on the use of greener synthetic pathways; the design of greener chemicals; and the use of greener reaction conditions.
LS9 meanwhile, was founded in 2005, and has benefited from venture funding from Khosla Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Chevron Technology Ventures and Flagship Ventures. It is also part of a strategic partnership with Procter and Gamble. Its UltraClean fuels are designed to be cost competitive with traditional petrol based fuels without subsidy and are expected to be made commercially available within the next few years.
