Cross-country scheme to explore biofuels techniques

Biofuels production is being investigated by firms in Australia and the US through a new partnership agreement.

Beach Energy is teaming up with San Diego-based environmental technologist General Atomics to explore biofuels and bio oils in South Australia's Cooper Basin.

The pair hope to analyse whether the region's natural conditions aid in the cost-effectiveness of creating algae bio oil, while also reducing CO2 emissions.

Commenting on the arrangement, Beach Energy managing director Reg Nelson said it marks his company's commitment to driving forward profitable and green practices in the industry.

"It does seem plausible that the effluent mitigation requirements of hydrocarbon fields within the Cooper Basin may match up well with the feed requirements of an algae farm," he stated.

If experiments prove successful, the enterprises will be rolling out commercial production facilities over a five-year period.

Chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell Peter Voser recently claimed that biofuels technology is very promising.