February 28, 2008

Netherlands' DSM receives US biofuel grant

Royal DSM, headquartered in the Netherlands, has received a grant from the US Department of Energy for a technical consortium on an innovative biotechnological approach of bioproducts and biofuels.

The grant will fund an extensive enzyme development programme which will focus on finding applications in cellulose-based biorefineries for the production of bio-based products, including biofuels.

The research will be carried out by a technical consortium in which DSM will be the lead partner. An important part of the development work will be executed in the US and the programme will run for four years.

The grant fits in with the extensive White Biotech programme that DSM is running as one of its Emerging Business Areas with the aim of becoming a company fully focused on Life Sciences and Materials Sciences in line with its strategy Vision 2010. It will enlarge DSM's capabilities as a leader in biotechnology.

Global developments across all technology platforms in bio-conversion of cellulosic feedstocks are still at an early stage. In order to create and utilize commercially feasible solutions, the integration of technologies is essential. This collaboration allows DSM to more rapidly develop and test technology at semi-commercial and full commercial scale in existing and pilot plants.

DSM's main field of interest in this programme is to develop the technical skills for cellulosic biomass hydrolysis. After completion of this programme DSM will decide upon further research and partners to collaborate within this field.