BP and Martek Biosciences sign agreement to deliver advanced biofuels

BP and Martek Biosciences Corp. have signed a joint development agreement (JDA) to work on the production of microbial oils for biofuels applications. The partnership combines a broad technology platform and operational capabilities to advance the development of a step change technology for the conversion of sugars into biodiesel. Under the terms of the agreement, Martek and BP will work together to establish proof of concept for large scale, cost-effective microbial biodiesel production through fermentation.

The technology

Philip New, CEO BP Biofuels stated, ‘As an alternative to conventional vegetable oils, we believe sugar to diesel technology has the potential to deliver economic, sustainable and scaleable biodiesel supplies.’

The technology has been demonstrated in Martek's field for more than 20 years and the challenge is to adapt it to the needs of the biofuels market, in terms of product profile and economics.

Philip New added, ‘This technology is also a perfect fit with our other strategic choices for biofuels, all based on sustainable feedstocks and fermentation to produce advanced biofuels. It is part of our approach of integrating sugar cane and lignocellulosic biofuels with advanced technologies to produce products with a wide range of uses.’

BP has agreed to contribute up to US$ 10 million to this initial phase of the collaboration. Martek will perform the biotechnology research and development associated with this initial phase, whilst BP will contribute to its integration within the biofuels value chain. All intellectual property owned prior to the execution of the JDA will be retained by each respective company, and all intellectual property developed during the JDA will be owned by BP, with an exclusive licence to Martek for application and commercialisation in nutrition, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, each party is entitled to certain commercial payments from technology commercialised in the other party's field.

Sugar to biodiesel

The sugar to biodiesel pathway uses advanced biological science to convert sugars derived from biomass into lipids using unique fermentation micro-organisms. The lipids are then converted into fuel molecules through chemical or thermocatalytic processes. Biodiesel produced from sustainable feedstocks via the fermentation of sugars will offer the potential to deliver greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 80 - 90% when compared to traditional fossil fuel. Other advantages of this sugar to biodiesel pathway over conventional biodiesel made from vegetable oils include:

• Access to a wide variety of biomass feedstocks such as sugar cane, sugar cane waste (bagasse), energy grass and woodchips, which can be produced at scale and in high yield.
• Use of sustainable, non-food, plant biomass as its feedstock.
• Ability to tailor the product for a variety of diesel and jet-fuel needs.
• Reduced exposure to vegetable oil price.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/30092009/bp_and_martek_biosciences_sign_agreement_to_deliver_advanced_biofuels/