Electrochaea signs CRADA with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and SoCalGas to develop a single-stage electrobioreactor to increase energy security and combat climate change
01.02.2024
Electrochaea, the world’s leading technology provider for the production of carbon-neutral and fossil-free synthetic biomethane, today announced that it has entered a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and SoCalGas.
Under the CRADA, Electrochaea is working with LLNL and SoCalGas to develop and test a singlestage electro-bioreactor that can operate using excess renewable electricity and upgrade biogas to carbon-neutral synthetic biomethane. This biomethane can displace conventionally sourced natural gas to help decarbonize gas infrastructure. The project is funded with one million US dollars by the Department of Energy and will run for two years.
The project’s objective is to merge the two essential steps in methane production, namely electrolysis and methanation, into a single, streamlined process unit. This technology can enable both processes to seamlessly integrate within a single reactor, leading to increased energy efficiency and reduced CAPEX.
This second-generation bioreactor is an addition to existing commercial 10 MWe, 25 MWe and 75 MWe plant designs which are ready for market entry and are actively employed in several of Electrochaea’s ongoing projects at various stages of project development. The continued advancement of this groundbreaking technology represents a significant stride in the evolution of Power-to‑X technology.
Electrochaea stands as one of the global leaders in the development of a single-stage bioreactor solution, holding a prestigious position at the forefront of innovation. With a substantial portfolio of patents, the company has secured its place as a pioneering force, driving advancements and setting the standard for excellence in its field.
“Electrochaea’s team is highly committed to contributing to a secure, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy supply now and in the future. The new highly efficient singlestage bioreactor is an essential asset in this endeavor. We are excited to collaborate with SoCalGas and Lawrence Livermore, our esteemed long-term partners who are undisputed leaders in their respective fields. The enthusiasm to continue and expand this collaborative effort is a testament to the shared commitment to making a meaningful impact on the energy landscape. It is an honor to work with such high-caliber partners”, says Dr. Doris Hafenbradl, Electrochaea’s CTO and Managing Director.