The new joint technology program will investigate Virent’s BioForming process as a means for converting plant sugars into diesel. The sugars could eventually be sourced from a range of non-food feedstocks such as sugarcane bagasse, corn stover and other agricultural residues.
Since 2007, Shell and Virent have been conducting a joint research and development effort to make biogasoline from plant sugars, culminating late last year in the start-up of a pilot plant. The existing joint research and development agreement will also be expanded to include research into the production of diesel.
Luis Scoffone, vice president of alternative energies at Shell, said: “This investment demonstrates Shell’s confidence in Virent’s catalytic biofuel production processes.
“The expansion of our joint technology program to include research into the production of diesel from plant sugars offers considerable potential and complements Shell’s wider biofuels portfolio.”
Lee Edwards, president and CEO of Virent, said: “Virent is proud to deepen our strategic relationship with Shell with their equity investment and expanded research collaboration. Shell is a global industry leader who adds resources and expertise to our research and scale-up plans, which now include research to convert plant sugars directly into diesel fuel.”
