Evogene and Ormat to Develop Improved Biodiesel Feedstocks

24 September 2007

Evogene Ltd. and Orfuel Inc, a US subsidiary of Ormat Industries Ltd. will collaborate to develop non-edible plants displaying improved oil yield and capable of being grown in non-arable lands for use as biodiesel feedstocks.

Under the terms of the collaboration, Evogene will utilize its biotechnological capabilities (such as gene and molecular marker discovery) in the development of the enhanced crops which will then be evaluated in field trials conducted by Orfuel in the expected target locations.

In addition, Orfuel will evaluate suitability and methodologies for using such crops for biodiesel production. Upon project completion, Evogene and Orfuel intend to establish a joint venture aimed at commercialization of the developed plants.

The companies obtained approval in principle for a grant from the BIRD Foundation (Israel-US Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation) for financial support of the project.