BP, Martek to develop advanced biofuels from sugar

London  - BP and Martek Biosciences Corp. have agreed to jointly work on the production of microbial oils for biofuels applications by developing new technology to convert sugars into biodiesel. The companies will work together to establish proof of concept for large-scale, cost effective microbial biodiesel production through fermentation.

The sugar-to-biodiesel route uses 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.

As an alternative to conventional vegetable oils, BP believes sugar to diesel technology has the potential to deliver economic, sustainable and scaleable biodiesel supplies, according to Philip New, CEO BP Biofuels.

"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," said New 

 "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," added Steve Dubin, Martek CEO.

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.

BP has agreed to contribute up to $10 million to this initial phase of the collaboration which leverages Martek's expertise in microbial oil production and BP's production and commercialisation experience in biofuels as the platform for the joint development effort.

Martek will perform the biotechnology R&D associated with this initial phase, whilst BP will contribute to its integration within the biofuels value chain. All intellectual property owned prior to the agreement 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 commercialization in nutrition, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Martek claims to be a leader in the development and production of high-value oils from algae and other microbial sources. Its 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.

BP is a leading player in the global biofuels market. In the US, BP blended and distributed more than 1 billion US gallons of ethanol in 2008. Since 2006, BP has announced investments of more than $1.5 billion in biofuels research, development and operations, and has announced investments in production facilities in Europe, Brazil and the US.