Shell opens biopetrol pilot plant
The plant is the outcome of a joint biopetrol research and development effort between Shell and Wisconsin’s Virent Energy Systems.
The plant is billed as the world’s first demonstration plant converting plant sugars into petrol and petrol blend components as an alternative to ethanol.
The plant has the capacity to produce up to 10,000 gallons of the fuel each year, which will be used for engine and fleet testing.
The new biofuel can be blended with petrol in high concentrations for use in standard petrol engines. The new product has the potential to eliminate the need for specialised infrastructure, engine modifications, and blending equipment necessary for the use of petrol containing more than 10% ethanol.