News & Media releases
Shell’s Iogen venture now producing cellulose ethanol fuel
22/04/2004
Today, Shell Global Solutions International B.V. confirmed that Iogen Corporation (Iogen), a world-leading bio-fuels technology company, is successfully producing the worlds first cellulose ethanol fuel available for commercial use.
Replacing part of the fossil-derived transportation fuel with biomass-derived products can be an effective way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions - thus contributing significantly to sustainable solutions.
Shell Global Solutions have world-leading expertise in fuel research, technology implementation, project execution, manufacturing, distribution and blending. Working together, Shell Global Solutions and Iogen are combining Shell’s expertise with Iogen’s innovative cellulose ethanol technology to ensure commercial success for this venture.
“Iogen has demonstrated that clean, renewable fuels are no longer a dream, they are a reality,” said Duncan MacLeod, Portfolio Manager of Shell’s technology division of Shell Global Solutions International B.V. “We believe that the global market for bio-fuels such as cellulose ethanol will grow significantly over the coming years. Cellulose ethanol is a great fit with Shell’s commitment to leadership in fuels technology and sustainable development.”
Iogen President Brian Foody said the company is in the final phase prior to full-scale commercialisation of cellulose ethanol. ‘‘Shell Global Solution’s involvement has allowed us to move from the technology development phase to demonstration-scale production. Their support is a clear indication of their commitment to fuels technology and sustainable development. ”
In some countries, for example Sweden, USA and Brazil, conventional ethanol is already blended into gasoline. Cellulose ethanol has two primary advantages over conventional ethanol. Firstly, the greenhouse gas emission reductions from cellulose ethanol are three times greater than those from grain-based ethanol on a life-cycle basis. Secondly, cellulose ethanol is made from a plentiful and renewable resource, the non-food portion of agriculture crops (e.g. straw, corn stalks and corn cobs). By contrast, conventional ethanol is made from the food portion of agricultural crops (e.g. sugar, corn, wheat, and barley), feedstocks that have important alternative demands.
Related links
Shell Global Solutions
About Shell and bio-fuels
Iogen image library