Proof of concept for a direct carbon dioxide-to-propane conversion via genetically engineered microbes (e-Propane)

Finland is still heavily dependent on fossil raw materials for the production of both energy (such as propane) and chemicals and plastics. New, scalable (bio)processes that use carbon dioxide as a raw material are needed to produce sustainable chemicals and enable carbon neutrality in the Finnish chemical industry. The goal of the e-propane project is to demonstrate the suitability of a biotechnological solution for converting CO₂ to propane with a yield of approximately 95%. 

The biotechnological solution of e-propane is to edit the genome of the methanogenic microbe (Methanococcus maripaludis), which naturally uses CO₂ most efficiently, so that the cells produce propane instead of methane. To demonstrate its suitability, the performance of the methanogen is tested with laboratory-scale bioreactors. In addition, microbial electrosynthesis is being tested, in which the reduction force is produced directly with electrodes instead of hydrogen. 

The biotechnological solution of e-propane will undergo a techno-economic analysis and its results will be compared with alternative solutions for sustainable propane yield. The successful e-propane paves the way for the green transition of the Finnish chemical industry. The green transition in e-propane is promoted by Aalto University, Tampere University, Neste, Borealis, Fortum, Solar Foods and Q-Power.