The research program investigates new raw materials and new biofuels production processes, with a focus on improving efficiencies and lowering costs. The research agreements will last between two and five years.
The agreements are with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US; the University of Campinas in Brazil; the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in China; and the Centre of Excellence for Biocatalysis, Biotransformations and Biocatalytic Manufacture and the School of BioSciences Exeter University in the UK.
This announcement builds on Shell’s heritage in biomass R&D, with continuous investment over 30 years. The dedicated biofuels research and technology team now works out of centers in Thornton in Chester, UK; Westhollow in Houston, US; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Bangalore, India.
Graeme Sweeney, Shell’s executive vice president for future fuels and CO2, said: Shell’s in-house biofuels R&D is longstanding, leading and globally co-ordinated. However, we know that adding to our knowledge through genuine and nimble partnerships with top experts worldwide will be critical to speed and success in the fast-moving area of biofuels.
