DuPont, BP Partner to Market Advanced Biofuels
June 26, 2006
BP and DuPont have worked together since 2003 to develop advanced biofuels with properties that can help overcome the limitations of existing biofuels. That work has now progressed to the point where they are able to bring the first jointly developed product to market. The companies' joint strategy is to deliver advanced biofuels that will provide improved options for expanding energy supplies and accelerate the move to renewable transportation fuels that lower overall greenhouse gas emissions.
According to BP, the two companies aim to be the world leaders in the development and production of advanced biofuels. Biofuels today account for less than 2% of global transportation fuels. Current projections show that biofuels could become a significant part of the transport fuel mix in the future - possibly up to 20-30% in key markets.
The first product to market will be biobutanol, which will be introduced in the UK as a gasoline bio-component. Initial introduction is targeted in the UK in 2007 where BP and DuPont are working with British Sugar to convert the country's first ethanol fermentation facility to produce biobutanol. Additional global capacity will be introduced as market conditions dictate. A feasibility study in conjunction with British Sugar is already underway to examine the possibility of constructing larger facilities in the UK.
According to BP, both companies recognize that while existing biocomponents have proven to be an excellent starting point for the introduction of biofuels and will continue to play a role in the future, there are issues that needed to be addressed to increase market penetration. In particular, compatibility with existing fuel supply and distribution systems, the ability to blend in higher concentrations without requiring vehicle modifications and fuel economy were identified as areas where improvements are needed.
Source: BP.