94 -- Photoproduction of Hydrogen Licensing Opportunity

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), operated by Midwest Research Institute under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy, solicits companies who are interested in a strategic alliance to develop and commercialize technology to produce hydrogen (H2) from green algae in the presence of oxygen. Hydrogen production by green algae has significant advantages over other photobiological systems: high theoretical efficiencies and an inexpensive H2 source, water. However, algal H2 photoproduction is sensitive to oxygen, a co-product of photosynthesis, and this sensitivity is a major factor currently limiting the use of algal systems for H2 production. NREL is investigating ways to solve this problem by focusing on genetically engineering a reversible [Fe]-hydrogenase (the enzyme that releases H2 gas). Previous studies indicate that site directed mutagenesis can be used to decrease the O2 sensitivity of the hydrogenase and thus eventually lead to a system that produces H2 under aerobic conditions, in the presence of oxygen. To learn more about the NREL technology and hydrogen production from algae, please visit the following websites: http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/hydrogen/pdfs/42_nrel_maria_ghirardi.pdf http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/pdfs/32405a3.pdf http://www.ct.ornl.gov/symposium/22nd/index_files/poster01.17.htm http://www.ases.org/hydrogen_forum03/OverendF.pdf NREL has several pieces of intellectual property in this area and is looking for a strategic alliance to develop and commercialize this technology. The alliance could be a license, a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), or a Work For Others (WFO) that leverages NREL's unique capabilities, facilities, and personnel. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) will be needed to view the patent applications associated with this technology. Information on technology transfer is available on the NREL web site at http://www.nrel.gov/technologytransfer/license.html. THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Organizations interested in commercializing NREL technologies will provide their own financial resources to commercialize the technology. Any organization interested in licensing the above mentioned technology must contact us (per below) by email or hard copy briefly describing the organization's technical expertise, manufacturing and marketing capabilities, financial resources (e.g., annual report or corporate resume) and proposed use of the technology. Do not include any proprietary information in initial contact. Please contact us by June 10th, 2004, to ensure consideration of your interest in the technology. A business or product commercialization plan will be required from the potential licensee during the negotiations. NREL reserves the right to reject any expressions of interest that are judged to be incomplete, unresponsive, or inappropriate for this opportunity. Questions and expressions of interest may be addressed to Richard Bolin, fax # 303-275-3040, or e-mail to Richard_bolin@nrel.gov.