COLUMBIA, MD --- BP and Martek Biosciences Corp. have agreed to work on the production of microbial oils for biofuels applications. 

The new partnership combines a broad technology platform and operational capabilities to develop technology for the conversion of sugars into biodiesel, the companies said. 

Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Martek and BP will work together to establish proof of concept for large-scale, cost-effective microbial biodiesel production through fermentation. 

"Martek is pleased to partner with BP's alternative energy team, to combine our unique algae-based technologies and intellectual property for the creation of sustainable and affordable technology for microbial biofuel production," said Steve Dubin, Martek CEO. 

"BP is very pleased to be entering this important partnership with Martek," said Philip New, CEO of BP Biofuels. "As an alternative to conventional vegetable oils, we believe sugar-to-diesel technology has the potential to deliver economic, sustainable and scaleable biodiesel supplies." 

The sugar-to-biodiesel pathway uses advanced biological science to convert sugars derived from biomass into lipids using unique fermentation micro-organisms. The lipids are then converted into fuel molecules through chemical or thermocatalytic processes.

Biodiesel produced from sustainable feedstocks via the fermentation of sugars will offer the potential to deliver greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 80-90 percent when compared to traditional fossil fuel.