By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Mar. 4 -- Chevron Corp. in San Ramon, Calif., and Weyerhaeuser Co. of Federal Way, Wash., formed a 50-50 joint venture, Catchlight Energy LLC, to develop the next generation of renewable transportation fuels from nonfood sources.
Weyerhaeuser is involved in nearly every facet of the forest products industry, from growing and harvesting trees to producing products, including cellulose fibers. The JV is to research and develop technology for converting cellulose-based biomass into economical, low-carbon biofuels under an alliance announced last April by the two companies.
Chevron and Weyerhaeuser agree nonfood biofuels will play an important role in diversifying the nation's energy supply. Catchlight's initial focus will be on developing and demonstrating novel technologies for converting cellulose and lignin [a complex polymer, the chief noncarbohydrate constituent of wood, that binds to cellulose fibers and hardens and strengthens the cell walls of plants] from a variety of sources into biofuels.
Michael Burnside of Chevron was appointed chief executive officer of Catchlight. W. Densmore Hunter of Weyerhaeuser was named Catchlight's chief technology officer. Both Chevron and Weyerhaeuser will contribute funding, background technology, employees, and other resources to Catchlight Energy.
Chevron and Weyerhaeuser already have separate research partnerships under way with universities, national laboratories and technology-based companies to advance the development of nonfood biofuels.
