Energy and innovation

Advanced biofuels

We are working alongside scientists at universities, government laboratories and companies to progress the science needed to deliver advanced biofuels with environmental benefits.

Investing in New Technologies

Meeting demand for increased energy supplies

Global demand for energy is projected to grow by about 25 percent through 2040. To expand supplies — while increasing efficiency and mitigating emissions — an integrated set of solutions will be required.

That is why ExxonMobil is funding a broad portfolio of biofuels research programs for new energy sources. ExxonMobil is focused on advanced biofuels that do not compete with food or water supplies. Examples include algae, corn stover, switchgrass or methane emitted from microbial activity in landfills. Among many other benefits, algae can be used to manufacture biofuels similar in composition to today’s transportation fuels.

Research and development highlights

~50%

lower life cycle greenhouse gas emissions will be produced by algal biofuels as compared to petroleum-derived fuel

~$250M

ExxonMobil investment in biofuels research in the last decade
We are targeting

1,500 gallons

fuel per acre per year potentially yielded from algae — five times more fuel per acre than from sugar cane or corn
News

ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group partner with Clariant to advance cellulosic biofuel research

ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group (REG) signed a joint research agreement with Clariant to evaluate the potential use of cellulosic sugars from sources such as agricultural waste and residues to produce biofuel, which has the potential to play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more

All articles about advanced biofuels

Why we’re investing $15 billion in a lower-carbon future At ExxonMobil, we develop and deploy solutions that meet society’s needs. Today, that means taking a leading role in providing the products that enable modern life, reducing carbon emissions and developing needed technologies to advance a lower-carbon emissions future.

Carbon capture Blog Nov. 9, 2021

ExxonMobil affiliate to produce renewable diesel to help reduce transportation emissions in Canada IRVING, Texas – ExxonMobil today announced its majority-owned affiliate, Imperial Oil Ltd., is moving forward with plans to produce renewable diesel at a new complex at its Strathcona refinery in Edmonton, Canada.  When construction is complete, the refinery is expected to produce approximately 20,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel, which could reduce emissions in the Canadian transportation sector by about 3 million metric tons per year. The complex will utilize locally grown plant-based feedstock and hydrogen with carbon capture and storage (CCS) as part of the manufacturing process.

Newsroom News Aug. 25, 2021

ExxonMobil expands plans for renewable diesel ExxonMobil recently expanded its agreement with alternative fuels developer Global Clean Energy to purchase up to 5 million barrels per year of renewable diesel. The engine-ready fuel will be partially derived from camelina, a plant that does not displace food crops and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Advanced biofuels Energy Factor May 20, 2021

ExxonMobil and Global Clean Energy Holdings sign agreement for renewable diesel IRVING, Texas – ExxonMobil has signed an agreement with Global Clean Energy Holdings to purchase 2.5 million barrels of renewable diesel per year for five years from a converted California refinery starting in 2022.

Newsroom News Aug. 11, 2020

Planting the seed for renewable diesel ExxonMobil recently announced an agreement with alternative fuels developer Global Clean Energy to purchase renewable diesel. The engine-ready fuel will be partially derived from camelina, a plant that does not displace food crops and could have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the road– a win-win.

Carbon capture Energy Factor Aug. 11, 2020