TMO Uses Bacteria To Make Ethanol

TMO renewables announced today that it has received more than sufficient funding for their research into develop technology which would make it easier to convert biomass into fuel ethanol. CEO, Hammish Curran announced that the company has received £11 million in private financing today, bringing the companies total up to £34 million.

Thermophilic microorganisms (TMO) are ethanologen based bacteria which the company uses to manufacturer biomass into ethanol. TMO uses the termophilic organisms to break down anything cellulose-based, like biomass, and turns them into ethanol in a process the company claims is both economical and eco-friendly. Several other renewable energy companies are also taking on endeavors into this promising new source for ethanol.

The company says todays newly received funds will be put towards aiding the company in entering the U.S. market where they plan to develop and introduce new technology. Curran has said that the funding will last late into 2011.

“The United States is where the world’s most established renewable fuels market is,” he said.

So far TMO’s new process has been undergoing testing smoothly for over a year and already has generated interest from 23 different buyers. The new algae to ethanol process as already yielded feedstocks including grasses, wheat straw, newspaper, municipal waste, and distillers grains.

TMO is hoping to expand with the new process into markets in the U.S. and throughout Europe. Curran has also said that China would be a good expansion opportunity for the company.

“The Chinese have a huge appetite for automobiles in the future,” he said. “They clearly recognize the need to answer the energy security questions that have been well recognized in the United States. We see a real growth opportunity there and in the United States.”

Special thanks to cleantech.com for the above quotes for more information please view the article on their website.