Nippon Oil to speed up biofuels research

Anticipating the wider use of biofuels in the Japanese market, market leader Nippon Oil will accelerate research and development of biomass-derived fuels to secure its position, the company said. The company is collaborating with Japans number 1 automaker in developing a 20% biodiesel blend derived from palm oil. It is also conducting research on cellulosic biomass, with the aim of lowering the cost of producing ethanol, which is currently higher compared with gasoline production. (October 5, 2006)