Corteva Inc. and bp have launched Etlas, a 50:50 joint venture focused on producing crop-based oils for use in biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD).
The new venture will develop oils derived from crops such as canola, mustard and sunflower, combining Corteva’s seed and crop technology expertise with bp’s refining and fuel marketing capabilities. Etlas is intended to support the growing demand for low-carbon fuels in the aviation and commercial transport sectors.
Etlas aims to produce around one million metric tonnes of feedstock annually by the mid-2030s, with the potential to generate more than 800,000 tonnes of biofuel. Initial supply is expected to begin in 2027, with feedstock used both for co-processing at existing refineries and at dedicated biofuels facilities.
Industry estimates suggest global demand for SAF could rise to as much as 10 million tonnes by 2030, up from around 1 million tonnes in 2024. Demand for renewable diesel is also forecast to increase sharply, potentially reaching 35 million tonnes by 2030, compared with about 17 million tonnes in 2024. Etlas is positioned to provide a scalable and reliable source of feedstock to help meet this expected growth.
The crops used by Etlas will be grown on existing agricultural land between main food cropping seasons. These intermediate crops can improve soil health, generate additional income for farmers and avoid placing extra pressure on land use, as they are cultivated during periods that would otherwise be fallow or used for cover crops.
Judd O’Connor, executive vice president of Corteva’s seed business unit, said the joint venture supported the company’s mission to contribute to global energy needs while creating new opportunities for farmers. Philipp Schoelzel, senior vice president for biofuels growth at bp, said the capital-light structure of Etlas would strengthen bp’s biofuels value chain and help meet customer demand.
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.
Conti said farmers would play a critical role in scaling reliable and cost-competitive SAF supply, adding that Etlas brings together agricultural innovation and energy expertise to expand production while creating new revenue streams for growers.
