Corteva and bp launch biofuel feedstock joint venture Etlas™

Corteva Inc. and bp have announced the launch of Etlas, their new 50:50 joint venture that will produce oil from crops – including canola, mustard and sunflower – for use in the production of biofuels like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD).
Etlas will harness both Corteva’s century-long expertise in seed technology to develop crops ideally suited to produce SAF and RD as well as bp’s expertise in refining and marketing fuel for the commercial transportation market.
Etlas aims to produce one million metric tonnes of feedstock per year by the mid-2030s, which could produce over 800,000 tonnes of biofuel.
Initial supply is scheduled to begin in 2027 for use in co-processing at refineries as well as at dedicated biofuels plants.
The feedstock Etlas uses will be harvested from crops that are grown on existing cropland, between main food cropping seasons.
Judd O’Connor, executive vice president of Corteva’s seed business unit, added: “By helping found Etlas, Corteva continues to deliver on two critical parts of our mission: to help fuel the world and to support farmers. Agriculture is part of the solution, and we are excited to see Etlas come to life.”
Philipp Schoelzel, senior vice-president, biofuels growth, bp added: “This capital light joint venture creates optionality in our biofuels value chain, strengthening our position and helping deliver attractive returns. We’re excited to collaborate with Corteva to deliver what our customers want.”
Ignacio Conti, global business development director at Corteva will be the new Etlas Chief Executive Officer and Gaurav Sonar, vice-president, Novel Feedstocks at bp will become its chair of the board of directors.
“As the aviation industry looks for reliable, sustainable and cost-competitive sources of SAF, it is clear farmers have a critical role to play,” said Etlas CEO Ignacio Conti.