ExxonMobil and REG generate biodiesel

ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group Inc. have announced the successful generation of biodiesel from non-edible biomass sources using a patented fermentation technique developed by REG. ExxonMobil had signed an agreement with REG in January 2016 to study the production of biodiesel from materials such as agricultural waste using a fermentation process. Following this new success, the companies have agreed to extend the research program.

“Our first challenge during initial research was to determine technical feasibility and potential environmental benefits,” said Vijay Swarup, vice president of research and development at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co. “We’re optimistic as the results indicate good potential for advancing the technology, and we look forward to continuing our work with REG Life Science.”

Swarup said that biofuels current come largely from food sources such as corn and sugar cane, and that ExxonMobil is exploring biofuel solutions that do not compete with food and water.

“ExxonMobil has been a great partner and we are proud of what we have accomplished to date,” said Eric Bowen, vice president of REG Life Sciences. “We are excited to take these discoveries to the next level.”

ExxonMobil says that it is also researching other emissions-reducing technologies, including the production of algae biofuels and the use of carbon capture and sequestration. The company says that since 2000 it has spent about $8 billion to develop and deploy lower-emissions energy solutions across its operations.

- ALAN BAILEY