Corteva, bp Launch Etlas to Produce Oilseed Feedstocks for Biofuels

Corteva and bp have launched Etlas, a 50:50 joint venture designed to develop and supply oilseed-based biofuel feedstocks for use in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD). The initiative addresses a key constraint in biofuels deployment: the availability of scalable, reliable, and cost-effective feedstock that does not compete with food production or drive land-use change.

Etlas will focus on oil production from crops such as canola, mustard, and sunflower, using Corteva’s seed technology to optimize crop performance and bp’s downstream capabilities to integrate feedstocks into existing and dedicated biofuel refining pathways. Initial supply is expected to begin in 2027, with feedstock used both for co-processing in conventional refineries and in dedicated biofuels facilities.

The venture targets production of approximately one million metric tonnes of feedstock annually by the mid-2030s, enabling output of more than 800,000 tonnes of biofuel per year. This scale is intended to align with projected demand growth, as industry estimates indicate global SAF demand could reach up to 10 million tonnes by 2030, while renewable diesel demand may rise to approximately 35 million tonnes over the same period.

Feedstock sourcing is based on intermediate oilseed crops grown on existing agricultural land between main food crop cycles. These crops are cultivated during periods that have traditionally been underutilized, such as fallow or cover seasons, helping avoid additional land demand while offering agronomic benefits. According to the companies, this approach can improve soil health and provide farmers with an additional revenue stream without displacing food production.

From an energy systems perspective, Etlas is positioned as a supply-chain enabler rather than a fuel producer, focusing on upstream feedstock availability to support downstream biofuel capacity expansion. bp has characterized the joint venture as a capital-light model that strengthens optionality within its biofuels value chain, while maintaining flexibility across refining and marketing operations.

Leadership for the new venture draws from both parent organizations. Ignacio Conti, Global Business Development Director at Corteva, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Etlas, while Gaurav Sonar, Vice President of Novel Feedstocks at bp, will serve as Chair of the Board of Directors. The governance structure reflects the joint focus on agricultural innovation, commercial scalability, and integration with fuel markets.

By aligning crop development, farmer engagement, and fuel processing expertise, Etlas aims to address one of the most critical bottlenecks in SAF and renewable diesel adoption. As aviation and heavy transport sectors accelerate decarbonization efforts, the venture is intended to provide a predictable feedstock foundation capable of supporting long-term biofuel deployment at industrial scale.

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