In California, Synthetic Genomics and ExxonMobil renewed their joint research agreement from 2009 so they could keep working on their advanced algae biofuels project. Their goal is to take the progress thus far in terms of understanding algae genetics and growth, and turning it into commercially available renewable transportation fuels. They are working together using genetic engineering and selection to develop strains of algae that have higher oil production and better photosynthesis so they can eventually scale up production of cost effective advanced algae biofuels in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk.
Vijay Swarup, ExxonMobil’s vice president for research and development told BusinessWire “Synthetic Genomics and ExxonMobil remain committed to advancing the scientific fundamentals of algal biofuels. We know this will be a long-term endeavor and are optimistic based on the results we have seen to date.”