A United Technologies Research Center prototype for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere has qualified for a $2.25 million development grant from the U.S. Energy Department.
The East Hartford center’s research project uses a synthetic form of an enzyme human bodies use to flush carbon dioxide from tissue. Development of the synthetic could provide a low-cost form of carbon capture, authorities say.
The energy agency recently awarded $151 million in grants to UTRC and 36 other projects through its Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy arm.
These include prototype studies on using intermittent energy sources like wind and solar to provide a steady flow of power, or using bacteria to produce automotive fuel from sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.Â
