DuPont aims to generate $1b

DuPont is uniquely positioned to deliver clean technology opportunities, including both advanced biomaterials and biofuels, according to Craig Binetti, president of DuPont Applied Sciences.

He says: 'We are meeting the growing demand for reducing dependence on fossil fuels by harnessing the full innovation capabilities of our scientists and our partners,' Binetti continues: 'This creates a powerhouse of industrial biotechnology and clean technology businesses with a goal of generating $1 billion (€723 million) in revenues and more than $250 million in earnings from our extensive portfolio of renewable materials and fuel technologies.'

DuPont estimates the biofuels industry worldwide will grow from a $50 billion opportunity today to a $75 billion opportunity by 2015. With this in mind, the company has ongoing efforts to develop both fuels from renewable non-food biomass, cellulosic ethanol and a drop-in biobutanol. DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol (DDCE) is the joint venture working to bring cellulosic ethanol technologies to market.

Butamax Advanced Biofuels, a JV between DuPont and oil major BP, is working towards commercialising biobutanol. 'The Butamax joint venture has focused initial commercial development on corn- and sugarcane-based ethanol plants. There are more than 200 grain-based ethanol plants and more than 400 sugarcane ethanol plants globally,' Binetti highlights.

He goes on to say: 'Globally, approximately 600 new plants will be required in the next decade to meet the anticipated global demand for cellulosic biofuel, and we expect a significant share of these will use DDCE technology.'

'While ethanol and biobutanol each have the potential to add value to the global biofuels market, a three-component blend of ethanol-biobutanol-gasoline has significant advantages as well. We are positioning ourselves so we are advantaged when the rapid growth occurs in advanced renewable fuels over the next decade.'