Startup Converts Texas CO2 Into Green Chemicals Using Ancient Bacteria
▼ Summary
– Again, a German-Danish startup, is building a new bioreactor plant in Texas City to convert CO2 into chemicals using ancient bacteria.
– The facility will capture CO2 from a local refinery and combine it with hydrogen, which bacteria then process into commercial-grade acetate.
– Again claims its CO2 fermenter can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from chemical production by up to 80% compared to fossil fuel-based methods.
– The company has already launched a pilot plant in Copenhagen and is building another in Norway with a $47 million EU grant.
– Again, founded in 2021, has raised $150 million and partnered with German distributor Helm to market its low-carbon chemicals to heavy industries.
A German-Danish startup is pioneering an innovative approach to sustainable chemical production by harnessing ancient bacteria to transform CO2 emissions into valuable industrial materials. Their latest venture involves constructing a bioreactor facility in Texas City, a major petrochemical hub along the Gulf Coast. The project, developed in collaboration with Diamond Infrastructure Solutions—a partnership between Dow and Macquarie Asset Management—marks a strategic expansion into the U.S. market.
The process begins by capturing CO2 from local refineries, which is then combined with hydrogen and fed to specialized bacteria. These microorganisms, cultivated from strains dating back thousands of years, metabolize the mixture into acetate, a versatile chemical used in plastics, paints, and cosmetics. Unlike conventional acetate production, which relies heavily on fossil fuels, this method repurposes emissions that would otherwise contribute to atmospheric pollution. According to the company, their fermentation technology can slash greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional methods.
With the petrochemical sector accounting for 4% of global emissions—double that of aviation—the potential environmental impact is significant. Beyond sustainability, the startup emphasizes cost competitiveness, asserting that its products match or undercut prices of fossil fuel-derived alternatives.
The Texas facility follows the success of their Copenhagen pilot plant, operational since 2023, which processes one ton of CO2 daily. Another site in Norway, supported by a $47 million EU Horizon Europe grant, is currently underway. Founded in 2021 by researchers from the Technical University of Denmark and entrepreneur Max Kufner, the company has secured $150 million in funding to date.
Construction in Texas is already underway, with production expected within a year. To accelerate market adoption, the startup has partnered with German chemical distributor Helm, targeting industrial clients eager to reduce their carbon footprint. By scaling this technology, the company aims to redefine how essential chemicals are manufactured—turning waste into a resource.
(Source: The Next Web)
