Corteva, BP partner on crop-based biofuel feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuel

USA – Agricultural chemical and seed company Corteva, Inc. and global energy giant BP have announced plans to form a joint venture (JV) to advance the production of crop-based biofuel feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on November 18, marks a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector while creating new revenue opportunities for farmers.

The JV will focus on scaling up biofuel feedstock production, targeting a capacity of 1 million tonnes annually by the mid-2030s.

Corteva plans to work closely with farmers in North America, South America, and Europe to grow specialized crops, including proprietary mustard seed, sunflower, and canola varieties, optimized for SAF production.

This partnership is proof positive that agriculture can continue to be part of the solution to the world’s decarbonization opportunities,” said Brook Cunningham, Corteva’s chief strategy officer.

“By leveraging Corteva’s technology, global scale, and unique grower relationships, we aim to help the European airline industry become more sustainable while offering farmers a valuable new income source.”

The partnership aims to meet stringent sustainability standards, including compliance with European Union Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED) III criteria and eligibility for US Low Carbon Intensity policy incentives. The two companies plan to finalize definitive agreements in 2025, with operations expected to commence later that year.

Addressing growing demand for SAF

SAF, derived from non-petroleum feedstocks such as oils, municipal waste, woody biomass, and fats, is increasingly recognized as a critical tool for decarbonizing aviation. Depending on production methods, the fuel can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.

In addition, the EU’s SAF mandate, starting in 2025, will require airlines to source at least 20% SAF by 2035, increasing to 70% by 2050.

In the United States, the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, announced in 2021, aims to produce 3 billion gallons of SAF annually by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050, meeting the nation’s entire airline fuel demand.

The recently introduced 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit provides additional financial support for domestic SAF production.

BP’s expertise in refining and trading complements Corteva’s agricultural innovation and grower networks. “We see great potential in a partnership with Corteva,” said Emma Delaney, BP’s executive vice president of customers and products.

Together, we are well positioned to deliver value by combining Corteva’s technology and grower relationships with BP’s refining and trading capabilities.”

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