BP explores options, remains committed to cellulosic ethanol

Biomass Magazine November 2009
By Kris Bevill
Posted November 9, 2009, at 12:43 p.m. CST

BP plc’s alternative fuels sector may have expanded this year to include biobutanol, but the company’s primary focus continues to be cellulosic ethanol, according to BP Biofuels communications advisor Thea Sherer. When asked if BP might be shifting its efforts to drop-in replacements or other advanced biofuels, Sherer stated the petroleum giant does not favor any one of its alternative fuels projects over the other. In fact, she said the company’s U.S. cellulosic ethanol joint venture with Verenium Corp., Vercipia Biofuels, will serve as a flagship of sorts to commercialize various technologies which can later be deployed at international locations.

“Our biofuels strategy has three strands: growing a material sugarcane ethanol business in Brazil, building a cellulosic biofuel business in the U.S. and developing advanced molecules like biobutanol,” Sherer said. “For cellulosic ethanol, the first step is through our joint venture with Verenium. When the technology is proven and introduced in the U.S., and given the right commercial opportunities, we would look to introduce it in other markets.” Sherer said the Vercipia plant in Florida is expected to begin production in 2012.

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