IOC to cooperate with NREL on biofuels

Government-owned Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. (IOCL) said it will tie up with U.S.-based National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in producing second-generation biofuels. Under the agreement, IOC and NREL will cooperate in the areas of emerging technologies for second-generation biofuels and advanced technologies for first generation biofuels, among others. IOC will invest around Rs200 million (US$4.04 million) initially for the cellulosic biomass project. The NREL has also signed a memorandum of understanding with its Indian counterpart—the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy—to produce, utilize, distribute and market biofuels. Thrust will be given to produce and develop quality planting materials and high-sugar containing varieties of sugarcane, sweet sorghum and cassava. (May 12, 2009)