Codexis, Inc. (Redwood City, Calif.; www.codexis.com) and Raizen Energia S.A. (Sao Paulo, Brazil; www.raizen.com) have signed a joint development agreement to develop an improved first-generation ethanol process with enhanced performance economics. Raizen is a joint venture between Shell and Cosan, and is Brazil’s largest sugar and ethanol producer. Under the terms of the agreement, Raizen and Codexis will deploy the Codexis CodeEvolver directed-evolution-technology platform to improve Raizen’s current process for producing ethanol made from sugar. Raizen produced 600 million gallons of ethanol in 2010.
The agreement focuses on a range of targets, including improving performance of yeasts now used in ethanol production. The parties anticipate pilot production at Raizen’s Bonfim mill. Codexis will retain commercialization rights and Raizen will receive preferential commercial terms. Successful developments under the collaboration will be covered by subsequent agreements. The collaboration may also include development of other products from sugar such as bio-based chemicals. Brazil is the world’s second largest producer and consumer of ethanol, with 2010 production of 7 billion gallons. Brazil is currently importing ethanol as a result of rising demand and lower current-season yields.
"This agreement is very timely, since sugarcane ethanol in Brazil clearly needs to continue improving productivity to achieve expected yields in the years to come. Raizen and Codexis strongly believe that investing in technology is a critical path to achieve this," said Vasco Diaz, Raizen CEO.
"We are delighted to announce our first agreement with Raizen. Working together, we expect to quickly improve the performance and cost structure of first generation ethanol, now in use throughout Brazil. We look forward to a productive and long term development partnership," said Alan Shaw, Codexis president and CEO.