Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Corteva and bp Form Etlas Biofuel Feedstock Venture

Key highlights
  • Etlas aims to produce 1 million metric tonnes of feedstock annually by mid-2030s.
  • Initial supply is scheduled to begin in 2027.
  • Etlas will use crops like canola, mustard, and sunflower for biofuels.
  • Global SAF demand could reach 10 million tonnes by 2030.

Joint Venture Overview

Corteva Inc. and bp have launched Etlas, a 50:50 joint venture focused on producing biofuel feedstocks from crops such as canola, mustard, and sunflower. The venture aims to support the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD).

Production Goals and Timeline

Etlas plans to produce one million metric tonnes of feedstock annually by the mid-2030s, which could yield over 800 thousand tonnes of biofuel. Initial supply is expected to commence in 2027, targeting both co-processing at refineries and dedicated biofuel plants.

Market Demand

Industry estimates suggest global demand for SAF could grow to 10 million tonnes by 2030, up from about 1 million tonnes in 2024. Similarly, demand for RD is projected to rise to 35 million tonnes by 2030, from approximately 17 million tonnes in 2024. Etlas aims to provide a reliable and scalable supply of feedstock to meet this demand.

Agricultural Impact

The feedstock will be sourced from crops grown on existing cropland during periods when the land is typically unproductive, such as fallow or cover periods. This approach not only avoids additional land use but also offers farmers a new revenue stream while improving soil health.