Total and Amyris partner to produce renewable fuels

Total and Amyris Inc. announced the signing of agreements to expand their current R&D partnership and form a joint venture to develop, produce and commercialize a range of renewable fuels and products. Total and Amyris have agreed to expand their on-going research and development collaboration to accelerate the deployment of Biofene® and develop renewable diesel fuel based on this molecule produced from plant sugars. The ambitious R&D program, launched in 2010 and managed jointly by researchers from both companies, aims to develop the necessary stages to bring the next-generation renewable fuels to market at commercial scale. Total has committed to contribute US$105 million in funding for an existing US$180 million program. In addition, Total and Amyris have agreed to form a 50-50 joint venture company that will have exclusive rights to produce and market renewable diesel fuel and jet fuel worldwide, as well as non-exclusive rights to other renewable products such as drilling fluids, solvents, polymers and specific biolubricants. The venture aims to begin operations in the first quarter of 2012. (November 30, 2011)