Petrobras signs a cooperation agreement with KiOR to develop bio-oil production technology

Foto: AGÊNCIA PETROBRAS

Petrobras, via its research center (CENPES), has signed a cooperation agreement with KIOR Inc to accelerate the development of the Biomass Catalytic Cracking (BCC) process, a bio-crude production technology. By doing so, the company seeks to consolidate new production routes for second generation bio-fuel, i.e., bio-fuel derived residues.

This is yet another action Petrobras takes to increase its business’ sustainability. Second generation biofuels do not compete with food crops, since the raw material used to produce it is harvesting waste that would otherwise be discarded.

Petrobras’ R&D CENPES has been studying biomass processing to generate bio-oil from sugarcane straw residues since 2006. Bench tests have already been undertaken, and pilot plant studies are currently in progress. The first semi-industrial unit tests are scheduled for 2009.

Produced from raw materials such sawdust, switch grass and, sugarcane straw or bagasse, bio-oil, also known as bio-crude, is the product of a proprietary catalytic process called Biomass Catalytic Cracking (BCC) which has been invented and patented by BIOeCON BV and is now being further developed and commercialized by KiOR Inc.

KiOR Inc., is a joint venture between Khosla Ventures and BIOeCON BV.