Biofuels Partnership: BP and Martek Biosciences Corp.
Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Martek and BP will work together to establish proof of concept for large-scale, cost effective microbial biodiesel production through fermentation.
“Martek is pleased to partner with BP’s Alternative Energy team, to combine our unique algae-based technologies and intellectual property for the creation of sustainable and affordable technology for microbial biofuel production,” said Steve Dubin, Martek CEO. “BP’s global leadership and commitment to alternative energy solutions complements Martek’s own commitment to responsible and sustainable products and production.”
“BP is very pleased to be entering this important partnership with Martek,” says Philip New, CEO BP Biofuels. “As an alternative to conventional vegetable oils, we believe sugar to diesel technology has the potential to deliver economic, sustainable and scaleable biodiesel supplies. In partnering with Martek, we combine the world’s leading know-how in microbial lipid production with our expertise in fuels markets and applications, and our more recent experience in biofuels production and commercialization.”
The technology has been demonstrated in Martek’s field for more than 20 years and the challenge is to adapt this technology to the needs of the biofuels market, in terms of product profile and economics.
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.
Martek
Martek Biosciences Corporation (NASDAQ: MATK) is a leader in the development and production of high-value oils from algae and other microbial sources. Martek’s lead products are DHA and ARA oils developed and produced using patented technology. DHA omega-3 products promote health and wellness through every stage of life and ARA omega-6 products support growth and development in infants. The company produces life’sDHA™, a sustainable and vegetarian source of DHA omega-3 for use in foods, beverages, infant formula, and supplements, and life’sARA™, a sustainable and vegetarian source of ARA omega-6 for use in infant formula and growing-up milks For more information on Martek Biosciences, visit www.martek.com. For more information on products containing life’sDHA and life’sARA, visit www.lifesdha.com.BP
BP is of one of the world's largest energy companies, providing its customers with fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, retail services and petrochemicals products for everyday items. It is the largest oil and gas producer in the U.S. and one of the largest refiners. BP also has a global network of around 22,000 service stations.Contacts:
Martek:Cassie France-Kelly
Martek Biosciences
410-740-0081
BP:
BP Press Office, London: +44 (0)207 496 4076
