Petronas, US firm to develop carbon dioxide capture technology

Malaysia’s state oil company Petronas has joined with Roselle, Ill.-based LanzaTech to develop means for capturing carbon dioxide and methane from, among other sources, refinery offgases and natural gas wells and produce acetic acid, a chemical with applications in the polymers and plastics markets, according to a LanzaTech announcement.

LanzaTech’s fermentation process converts carbon monoxide in industrial waste gases, reformed natural gas, and gas derived from any biomass source into low-carbon fuels and chemicals. LanzaTech and Petronas will work to extend this technology to include CO₂-containing gases.

The joint development agreement follows the investment earlier this year by Petronas Technology Ventures Sdn. Bhd., the venture arm of Petronas, in LanzaTech.