Use and production of biofuels is one many peoples minds these days with the soaring cost of transportation fuel, further depletion of natural non renewable resources and pollution still spiraling out of control. The demand for a cleaning burning biodegradable fuel, which uses no petroleum productshas become a global one. It is being used and manufactured by many homesteaders and environmentally conscience people. In a recent press release announcement BP and DuPont noted that they will be joining forces to produce biofuels for the public. There has been a global demand for a clean burning, renewable fuel source. Like ethanol this will be used as an alternative transportation fuel.

President of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Dean Oestreich (subsidiary of DuPont) stated that they will be playing an important role in this venture. Biofuels emit far fewer quantities of greenhouse gases. It is cost effective to produce. Biofuels are a viable alternative to traditional petroleum based fuels. The biofuels will create a new market for those working in agriculture because crops such as corn grain, wheat, sorghum and sugar beets will become high in demand. In the near future Pioneer plans to be able to use cellulose based products suchas corn stalks and switch grass to produce butanol.

The process of creating biobutanol is a fermentation process similar to that of ethanol. The idea is to provide another alternative fuel not to compete with the use of ethanol. The venture actually began in 2003, with the hopes to that the properties of this new fuel will overcome the limitations of traditional biofuels. BP and DuPont are working with British Sugar to change the countrys first ethanol fermentation plant to a butanol fermentation plant and to begin full production, marketing and sales of biobutanol by 2007.

Related:
BP Dupont Press Release