Shell signs agreement with SBI Bioenergy for ‘drop-in’ biofuels

A subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, Shell International Exploration and Production B.V., has reached an agreement with SBI Bioenergy giving Shell exclusive development and licensing rights for SBI’s biofuel technology.

Edmonton, Canada based SBI has a patented process that can convert a wide range of waste oils, greases and sustainable vegetable oils into lower carbon drop-ins for diesel, jet fuel and gasoline. Under the agreement, Shell and SBI will work together to demonstrate the potential of the technology and, if successful, scale it up for commercial applications.

“We are confident that Shell is the right industry partner to commercialise our low carbon intensity renewable fuel process,” said Inder Singh, SBI’s founding president and CEO. “Working with Shell means that we have a partner with proven capabilities to investigate the potential this technology has for global application and that is something that is very exciting for us.”

SBI’s uses a continuous catalytic process that converts fat, oil and grease into renewable fuels. SBI’s biofuels do not require blending, or any modifications to engines or infrastructure.

“SBI has a promising new Canadian biofuels technology,” said Andrew Murfin, general manager, Advanced Biofuels for Shell. “This is a great opportunity for us to combine Shell’s innovation and commercialization capabilities with SBI’s technical expertise to investigate the potential this technology has for commercial application.”