Corteva and BP Launch Etlas™ Biofuel Feedstock Joint Venture
Corteva Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) and BP (NYSE: BP, LSE: BP.L) have announced the formation of a new joint venture, Etlas, aimed at producing biofuel feedstocks from crops such as canola, mustard, and sunflower. This 50:50 partnership is set to leverage Corteva's advanced seed technology alongside BP's downstream refining capabilities to address the growing global demand for sustainable biofuels.
Production Goals and Timeline
Etlas aims to produce one million metric tonnes of biofuel feedstock annually by the mid-2030s, potentially generating over 800,000 tonnes of sustainable fuels. The initial supply of these feedstocks is expected to begin in 2027, designed for use in co-processing at traditional refineries and dedicated biofuel production facilities.
- Target production: 1 million metric tonnes of feedstock/year by mid-2030s
- Expected biofuel output: 800,000 tonnes annually
- Supply commencement: 2027
Meeting Growing Demand for Sustainable Fuels
Industry estimates indicate a dramatic increase in demand for biofuels, with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projected to rise from 1 million tonnes in 2024 to as much as 10 million tonnes by 2030. Similarly, renewable diesel (RD) demand is expected to grow from 17 million tonnes to 35 million tonnes in the same timeframe. Etlas is strategically positioned to meet this expected surge in demand.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Etlas will draw on existing farmland during off-seasons for primary crops, enhancing soil health and providing farmers with additional revenue streams without increasing land use pressure. Judd O’Connor, Executive Vice President of Corteva's seed business, stressed the dual mission of Corteva: to support global fuel needs and enhance farmer livelihoods.
Leadership and Future Outlook
Ignacio Conti, Global Business Development Director at Corteva, will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Etlas. Gaurav Sonar, Vice President of Novel Feedstocks at BP, has been named Chair of the Board of Directors. Both leaders emphasize the critical role of agriculture in producing reliable and sustainable sources of SAF and RD, which align with growing consumer expectations for green energy solutions.
Philipp Schoelzel, Senior Vice President of biofuels growth at BP, highlighted that this joint venture adds flexibility to BP's biofuels value chain, reinforcing the company’s commitment to deliver innovative energy solutions.
About Corteva and BP
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is recognized as a global leader in agriculture, emphasizing innovation and customer engagement to address pressing agricultural challenges. More information on Corteva can be found at www.corteva.com.
BP (NYSE: BP) focuses on providing innovative energy products while maintaining its commitment to sustainability. Additional insights into BP's operations are available at www.bp.com.
Cautionary Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined under U.S. securities laws. The statements include predictions and expectations regarding future operations, market dynamics, and product demands, which may vary materially due to various risks and uncertainties. A detailed examination of these risks can be found in Corteva's Annual Report and related financial filings.