LanzaTech Exceeds Performance at Japan MSW-to-Ethanol Plant

Key highlights
  • The Kuji plant, operational since April 2022, produces 400 tons of ethanol annually.
  • The plant processed syngas with CO + H₂ content as low as 40%.
  • Funded by SBR, a Sekisui and INCJ joint venture, with support from METI and the Ministry of the Environment.

Operational Success

The Kuji City MSW-to-ethanol pilot plant, operational since April 2022, has demonstrated significant success. It achieved ethanol yields exceeding guaranteed performance for over 14 consecutive days, processing complex syngas streams with CO + H₂ contents as low as 40%.

Technological Adaptability

The plant's ability to handle highly inhomogeneous, unsorted mixed non-recyclable waste streams highlights the adaptability of LanzaTech’s gas fermentation platform. This capability is crucial for managing diverse regional waste profiles and supporting a global circular carbon economy.

Funding and Collaboration

The project was funded by SBR, a joint venture between Sekisui Chemical and INCJ, with additional support from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of the Environment. The collaboration also involved a novel gasifier design, showcasing ongoing innovation in waste conversion technologies.

Source: LanzaTech

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