Chevron, Weyerhaeuser jointly assessing biofuels

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Apr. 13 -- Chevron Corp. and Weyerhaeuser Co. agreed to jointly assess the feasibility of commercializing biofuels production from cellulose sources. The companies will focus on developing technology that can transform wood fiber and other nonfood sources of cellulose into biofuels for cars and trucks.

"Chevron is investing in cellulosic biofuels because we believe they will play a role in meeting future energy growth," said Chevron Chairman and Chief Executive Dave O'Reilly. "While there are several research and technology hurdles that will need to be addressed before large-scale commercialization of cellulosic feedstocks occurs, we believe this partnership will accelerate the achievement of that reality."

The venture combines Chevron's technology capabilities in molecular conversion, product engineering, advanced fuel manufacturing, and fuels distribution with Weyerhaeuser's expertise in the collection and transformation of cellulosics into engineered materials, land stewardship, crop management, and biomass conversion.

Feedstock options include a wide range of materials from Weyerhaeuser's existing forest and mill system and cellulosic crops planted on its managed forest plantations.

Chevron already was involved with biofuels research through alliances with the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of California at Davis, the Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels, and the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.