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20^th June 2006 (Source: British Sugar )

British Sugar Group, part of Associated British Foods plc has today announced a collaboration with BP and DuPont to begin production of the next generation of bio-fuels in the UK. Production is expected to start in 2007.

Under this agreement, British Sugar’s Wissington bio-ethanol plant, currently under construction in Norfolk, will be converted to the production of bio-butanol. The plant will continue to use locally grown sugar beet as the feed stock and the bio-butanol produced will be blended with petrol in the UK. Because of its chemical structure, butanol (C₄H₉OH) has an energy content closer to that of petrol than ethanol (C₂H₅OH) and so offers better fuel economy than petrol/ethanol blends.

British Sugar, BP and DuPont have also agreed to undertake a joint feasibility study which, subject to successful conclusion, could lead to the construction of much larger facilities for bio-fuels production using cereal.

Bio-butanol will provide exactly the same environmental benefits as bio-ethanol as compared to fossil fuels such as petrol or diesel. It will reduce overall emissions of greenhouse gases and is a renewable alternative for fossil fuels. Like ethanol, it can be easily blended into conventional grades of petrol and has the potential to be incorporated into the existing UK fuel supply infrastructure. Petrol cars can use a blend of up to 10% ethanol or butanol without modification.

Dr Mark Carr, Chief Executive Officer, British Sugar said “This is exciting news for the future of renewable fuels and a great opportunity for British Sugar to work with a leading energy company and a major player in the bioscience industry. British Sugar have led the formation of a biofuels manufacturing industry in the UK and we are delighted to be part of this opportunity to be at the forefront of future biofuels manufacture in the UK.”

For further information, contact:

Helen Wilson,
Biofuels Communications,
Tel: or
Email:

or

Tony Sidwell,
Tel: or

A more detailed account of butanol production is available from the excellent Wikipedia.

Editors notes:

British Sugar is the UK's leading supplier of sugar products to the food manufacturing and consumer markets. Recognised as the most efficient sugar producer in Europe, the company has considerable expertise in asset utilization, energy efficiency and process technology. With operations in Poland and China, British Sugar has considerable experience in operating in developing countries and in joint venture operations.

BP is of one of the world's largest energy companies, providing its customers with fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, retail services and petrochemicals products for everyday items. It is the largest oil and gas producer in the U.S. and one of the largest refiners. BP has a global network of around 25,000 service stations, 1,300 of which are in the UK.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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