One thing is true, though: microbes do eat biomass and give off aromatic hydrocarbons, including methane, acetylene, propane and butane. Just drive past any sewage treatment plant and stiff the air.
They also give off hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and other less desirable byproducts. The trick is separating the wanted from the unwanted. They are trying to breed bacteria which will metabolize biomass and give off only the useful hydrocarbons.
Thanks. I was more poking fun at the site than I was at the science, which I recall the basics of from junior high. I'd be happy with a plant the size of NYC wherever they want it if it solves our crisis.