In early 2026, Corteva Inc. and bp unveiled Etlas, a joint venture focused on producing biofuels from crops like canola and mustard. This partnership combines Corteva’s expertise in seed technology with bp’s experience in refining and marketing fuel. The goal? To create sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD).
Etlas aims to produce one million metric tons of feedstock annually by the mid-2030s. This output is expected to yield over 800,000 tons of biofuel. The first supply is set to launch in 2027, contributing to both refineries and biofuel plants.
Current forecasts suggest a significant rise in SAF and RD demand. By 2030, SAF demand is predicted to grow from 1 million to 10 million tons, while RD could escalate from 17 million to 35 million tons. Etlas is stepping up to meet this challenge, ensuring a steady supply to satisfy the increasing needs of the market.
The crops used by Etlas will be grown on existing farmland, taking advantage of times when the land is often underused. This practice not only benefits soil health but also offers farmers additional income without expanding agricultural land use.
Judd O’Connor from Corteva stressed that this venture aligns with their mission to support farmers and fuel the world. “Agriculture is part of the solution,” he explained. Similarly, Philipp Schoelzel of bp noted that this joint venture enhances their biofuels strategy, focusing on what customers demand.
Ignacio Conti has been appointed as CEO of Etlas, with Gaurav Sonar from bp serving as Chair of the Board. Conti emphasized the essential role farmers will play in meeting the demands of the aviation sector for sustainable fuels. By leveraging technological advancements and building strong relationships with farmers, Etlas aims to scale up production and enhance supply while providing new revenue opportunities for agriculture.
As society pushes for cleaner energy, Etlas represents a shift in how we think about fuel sources. Experts predict that as fuel technology advances, partnerships like this will become vital in driving sustainability in aviation and beyond.
For more insights on biofuels and renewable energy, you can check out sources like the International Energy Agency.
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