Fossil energy biotechnology: A research needs assessment. Final report

Technical Report · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:10178665

Finnerty, W R ^[1]

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1. Consultec Scientific, Inc., Knoxville, TN (United States)

The Office of Program Analysis of the US Department of Energy commissioned this study to evaluate and prioritize research needs in fossil energy biotechnology. The objectives were to identify research initiatives in biotechnology that offer timely and strategic options for the more efficient and effective uses of the Nation`s fossil resource base, particularly the early identification of new and novel applications of biotechnology for the use or conversion of domestic fossil fuels. Fossil energy biotechnology consists of a number of diverse and distinct technologies, all related by the common denominator -- biocatalysis. The expert panel organized 14 technical subjects into three interrelated biotechnology programs: (1) upgrading the fuel value of fossil fuels; (2) bioconversion of fossil feedstocks and refined products to added value chemicals; and, (3) the development of environmental management strategies to minimize and mitigate the release of toxic and hazardous petrochemical wastes. The integration of these programs as viable bioprocessing initiatives proposes an innovative and conceptual principle for the development of a ``new`` approach to fossil energy biotechnology. This unifying principle is NON-AQUEOUS BIOCATALYSIS. Biocatalysis coupled to conventional chemical catalysis in organic-based media offers bioprocessing options uniquely characterized by the selectivity of biocatalysts plus fast reaction rates and specificity of chemical catalysts.

• Research Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Research, Washington, DC (United States). Office of Program Analysis; Consultec Scientific, Inc., Knoxville, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC01-91ER30156
• OSTI ID: 10178665
• Report Number(s): DOE/ER/30156--T1; ON: DE92040592
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
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02 PETROLEUM
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04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
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10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOCONVERSION
BIOTECHNOLOGY
COAL
DESULFURIZATION
ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS
FOSSIL FUELS
GENETIC ENGINEERING
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INFORMATION NEEDS
MICROORGANISMS
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OIL PRODUCTION, RECOVERY, AND REFINING
PETROLEUM
POLICY, LEGISLATION, AND REGULATION
PROCESSING
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PROGRESS REPORT
PURIFICATION AND UPGRADING
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SHALE OIL
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT