Corteva and bp launch biofuel feedstock joint venture Etlas

Corteva Inc. and bp have announced the launch of Etlas, a new 50:50 joint venture focused on producing crop-based oils for biofuel applications, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD). Etlas will leverage Corteva’s long-standing expertise in seed technology to develop crops such as canola, mustard, and sunflower optimized for biofuel production, alongside bp’s capabilities in fuel refining and commercial distribution.

The joint venture targets annual production of one million metric tonnes of feedstock by the mid-2030s, with the potential to generate more than 800,000 tonnes of biofuel. Initial supplies are expected to come online in 2027 and will be used for co-processing at existing refineries as well as in dedicated biofuels facilities.

Industry projections indicate that global demand for SAF could reach up to 10 million tonnes by 2030, rising sharply from around 1 million tonnes in 2024. Demand for renewable diesel is also forecast to grow, potentially reaching 35 million tonnes by 2030, up from approximately 17 million tonnes in 2024. Etlas is positioned to support this growth by delivering a dependable and scalable source of biofuel feedstock.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Corteva to deliver what our customers want”

- Philipp Schoelzel, senior vice president, biofuels growth

Etlas will source its feedstock from crops cultivated on existing agricultural land during periods between primary food-growing seasons. These intermediate crops can enhance soil health while offering farmers an additional source of income. By utilizing farmland during traditionally unproductive periods, such as fallow or cover crop cycles, this approach avoids creating new demand for agricultural land.

Judd O’Connor, executive vice president of Corteva’s seed business unit added: “By helping found Etlas, Corteva continues to deliver on two critical parts of our mission: to help fuel the world and to support farmers. Agriculture is part of the solution, and we are excited to see Etlas come to life.”

Philipp Schoelzel, senior vice president, biofuels growth, bp added: “This capital light joint venture creates optionality in our biofuels value chain, strengthening our position and helping deliver attractive returns. We’re excited to collaborate with Corteva to deliver what our customers want."

Ignacio Conti, Global Business Development Director at Corteva, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Etlas, while Gaurav Sonar, bp’s Vice President for Novel Feedstocks, will serve as Chair of the Board of Directors.

“As the aviation industry looks for reliable, sustainable and cost-competitive sources of SAF, it is clear farmers have a critical role to play,” said Etlas CEO, Ignacio Conti. “Etlas brings together global leaders in agriculture innovation and energy production to harness this demand by leveraging technological expertise and trusted relationships with farmers around the world to help scale production and boost supply while offering farmers new revenue streams.”