France-based Global Bioenergies has signed a collaboration deal with the German car-manufacturer Audi on the development of isobutene-derived isooctane, a high performance biofuel for gasoline engines.

As a 100% drop-in fuel, the isobutene-derived isooctane can reportedly be used in any blending ratio with all standard fuels for gasoline motors. It does not present the drawbacks associated with alcohol-based biofuels such as ethanol or isobutanol which lead to limited blending ratios and lower mileage per liter.

The collaboration with Audi will consist in Global Bioenergies supplying them with isooctane derived from our isobutene to be produced at the company’s pilot unit at the Fraunhofer CBP in Leuna, Germany.  During the two-year collaboration, this agreement also foresees the possibility for Audi to acquire shares of Global Bioenergies corresponding to less than 2% of its capital.