Total buys stake in Amyris

Following US-based Amyris’ advancements in the development of its second generation technology, which uses microorganisms to produce biodiesel from crushing cane, oil group Total wishes to acquire a percentage in the company.

Located in France Total is to invest an undisclosed sum to purchase a 17% stake in the biofuels producer as it plans to expand into sustainably-sourced fuels and chemicals.

A statement announcing the deal said: ‘Total and Amyris R&D teams will work together to develop new products and build biological pathways to produce and commercialise renewable fuels and chemicals.’