Shell partners with Codexis for next generation biofuel research

Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, and Codexis Inc., a privately held biotechnology company based in Silicon Valley, are launching a collaboration to explore enhanced methods of converting biomass to bio-fuels. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Shell is committed to leading the development of second-generation bio- fuels that offer lower well-to-wheel CO2 production and enhanced performance," David Sexton, President, Shell Oil Products US, said. "We are exploring the application of Codexis' proprietary technologies to produce alternative fuels from renewable, sustainable sources."

"Our proven biocatalytic approach should provide the critical pathway to developing economically feasible alternative transportation fuels from renewable resources," Alan Shaw, Ph.D., Codexis President and Chief Executive Officer, said.

Codexis is a developer of biocatalytic chemical technologies that reduce the cost of manufacturing across a range of industries. Codexis' proprietary technologies enable efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly processes for pharmaceutical, industrial chemical and energy applications.

Codexis has entered into strategic alliances with many of the world's leading companies in the chemical process industry, and the company's technology is being applied to the development of more than 20 products worldwide. The company began operations in 2002.

Shell has been involved in developing bio-fuels for more than 30 years, and believes it is the world's largest distributor of transport biofuels today. The company sold nearly 800 million gallons (3 billion liters) of biofuel in 2005, mostly in the United States and Brazil. Shell also markets fuels containing bio-components in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, the Philippines, Sweden and Thailand.