BP and DuPont (both internationally known energy and chemical/science companies, respectively) have formed a partnership to develop “advanced” or “next generation” biofuels, possessing properties that overcome limitations of presently used biofuels.

Biobutanol is the first such advanced biofuel planned for introduction as a gasoline component in the U.K. in 2007. As with ethanol, biobutanol is similarly produced by fermentation of starchy, saccharine or cellulosic feedstocks. The following are its desirable properties: (1) low vapor pressure and tolerance to water, (2) potential for blending at higher concentrations without engine retrofitting, (3) greater fuel economy and fuel efficiency..