A Ton of CO2 a Day: Again Bio’s Innovative Approach
Again Biosays its modified bacteria currently consumes about a ton of CO2 per day. Founded by researchers at the Technical University of Denmark, Again Bio leverages flue gas from a wastewater treatment plant in Copenhagen to feed its hungry microbes. The startup has been around for 2.5 years and quietly raised a $10 million seed round in February from ACME Capital, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Atlantic Labs.
A Nearly $47 Million Grant
Again’s technology benefits from the nearly $47 million grant awarded by Horizon Europe to a project utilizing Again’s tech, PyroCO2. This funding underscores the potential of Again Bio’s innovative approach in tackling climate pollution.
Piping Industrial Exhaust into a Bioreactor
Again’s process involves piping industrial exhaust into a 65-foot-tall bioreactor where its bacteria feed on climate pollution and hydrogen, producing vinegar as a byproduct. The startup refines this byproduct into acetic acid and acetate – base chemicals for detergents, paints, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
Free Point-of-Source Carbon Capture Service
The point-of-source carbon capture service offered by Again is free, as the company’s business model focuses on selling the output. Currently, the startup’s fermentation vessel at the Copenhagen plant operates in test mode, enabling the distribution of sample chemicals to potential customers.
Commercial Viability and Future Expansion
Co-founder and CEO Torbjørn Ølshøj Jensen told TechCrunch that Again has a contract with an undisclosed customer large enough to drive its expansion in Europe and North America. Jensen also stated that the tech is now producing at yields that are commercially viable. The company declined to share more information about the deal.
The Bacteria: A Key Component
Again co-founder and COO Max Kufner highlighted the significance of genetically modifying the bacteria, which can feed on industrial pollutants and continue to evolve in response to inhibitors present in the off-gas. According to Jensen, Again’s chemical production can be ‘carbon neutral’ using gray hydrogen, as the startup captures CO2 from the hydrogen manufacturing process.
The Future: Green Hydrogen
However, Jensen acknowledged that the methane industry powering gray hydrogen production is a significant climate problem. To address this issue, Again intends to transition to green hydrogen made via electrolyzers and renewable energy in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Again Bio’s modified bacteria consume approximately one ton of CO2 per day.
- The startup uses flue gas from a wastewater treatment plant in Copenhagen as feedstock for its microbes.
- Again’s process involves piping industrial exhaust into a bioreactor, producing vinegar and refining it into acetic acid and acetate.
- The company offers a free point-of-source carbon capture service, focusing on selling the output.
- Again has secured a significant contract with an undisclosed customer, driving its expansion in Europe and North America.
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