*STTR Project:  Sequestration and Bioconversion of Carbon Dioxide to Methane--MECOM, Inc., 12 Woodway Oaks Lane , Houston , TX   77056-1300; 713-626-8960
Mr. Joe E. Guyer, Principal Investigator, guyer997@aol.com 
Mr. Joe E. Guyer, Business Official, guyer997@aol.com 
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER86172
Amount:  $500,000

Research Institution
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond , LA               

This project will inject industrially-produced carbon dioxide (CO₂), along with inorganic nutrients, into coal beds, in which the metabolic capability of the indigenous microflora will be utilized to enhance methane production and consume the CO₂.  The technology will address two needs at the same time: (1) the sequestration of CO₂ to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, and (2) producing a source of clean energy.  Phase I demonstrated the presence of microorganisms, capable of producing methane from coal with only the addition of inorganic nutrients and CO₂, in samples of coal from both Kansas and North Dakota.  Phase II will conduct field experiments to demonstrate the ability of the indigenous microflora in coal bed methane wells to enhance methane production through the addition of CO₂ and inorganic nutrients only.  Concurrently, laboratory experiments will be conducted to examine the conversion of radioactive CO₂ to radioactive CH₄ in live cores from wells employed in the field demonstration.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee:  Increasing methane production in existing wells would extend the life of the wells, benefit the economy, and contribute to the national security of our country by increasing the supply of a clean fuel.