Oct 22 2010
Shell, a group of energy and petrochemical companies, announced that it has supplied a new bio-fuel component to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2010 Formula One championship.
Shell has combined the new bio-fuel component called biogasoline with a standard fuel product. The bio-fuel has been derived directly from plant sugars and was developed by Virent, a technology partner of Shell.
Earlier, Shell had supplied a fuel product to Scuderia Ferrari that contained another bio-fuel component and is meticulously working with Scuderia throughout the season to enhance the performance of the fuel by leveraging the present FIA rules. This fuel was derived from cellulosic ethanol, which in turn was obtained from straw material. Shell will provide both the bio-fuel products for the last three races of the season.
Virent utilizes a number of catalysts to produce bio-fuels. During the process various catalysts are used to convert plant sugars into petrol and petrol mix products. The components are similar to the ones developed at petroleum refineries. Plant sugars can be obtained from biofuel feedstocks such as wheat, corn, sugarcane and sugar beet or from raw materials such as sugar cane, wheat straw and corn stover. The biogasoline can be mixed with standard petrol components. This factor could remove the necessity for engine alterations or special infrastructure or blending equipment for Shell’s customers.
Shell’s Technology Manager, Dr Lisa Lilley stated that the company is happy to provide fuel that contains a unique bio-fuel component. It further shows the company’s commitment for producing sustainable fuel products, she said.
Luca Marmorini from Scuderia Ferrari stated that they will be the first Formula One team to use Shells’ advanced bio-fuel components in their racing fuel.
Source: http://www.shell.com/