Biofuels for transportation goal for new European agreement

France-based renewable hydrocarbon provider Global Bioenergies (GB) is to collaborate with German car manufacturer Audi on the development of isobutene-derived isooctane, a high performance biofuel for petrol engines.

One of GB’s in-house programmes concerns the production of bio-isobutene, a molecule which can transform into isooctane, a 100% drop-in fuel that can be used in any blending ratio with all standard fuels for petrol motors.

Audi is keen to be seen as a frontrunner in implementing sustainable solutions for all aspects directly linked to its products.

‘We’ve begun our pre-commercial pilot phase in Leuna which allows for the obtaining of high-purity isobutene for use across different applications,’ says Thomas Buhl, head of GB business development. ‘During our collaboration with Audi, we will be able to supply isooctane derived from our isobutene produced at the pilot. Furthermore, we’ll be able to further highlight the use of sustainable feedstock.’

The two-year collaboration also allows Audi the possibility to acquire shares in GB corresponding to less than 2% of its capital.

GB develops processes for the direct transformation of renewable resources into light olefins, a key building block of the petrochemical industry.