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16 October 2006
Auckland, New Zealand, 17 October 2006 – Genesis Research and Development Corporation Ltd (NZSX/ASX: GEN) biofuels project ‘BioJoule’ has been recognised in the international Institution of Chemical Engineers annual awards. BioJoule was highly commended in The Shell Energy Award sponsored by Shell Global Solutions. The Shell Energy Award is for imaginative and efficient technology, devised by small or medium-sized enterprises, to meet world energy demands by developing green fossil fuels and/or carbon dioxide abatement options. The BioJoule project has demonstrated the viability of producing ethanol, unsulphonated lignin and xylose from shrubby willow which can be grown in marginal land throughout temperate climate regions of the world. Ethanol is a carbon-neutral sustainable transport fuel that can easily be substituted for petrol. The unsulphonated lignin provides a sustainable raw material for production of various high value plastics. BioJoule, which is being developed in collaboration with Lake Taupo Development Company, has a number of field trials of shrubby willow (Salix) growing in the Taupo region of New Zealand. Testing and optimisation of the refining process is continuing. About Genesis Founded in 1994, Genesis is a New Zealand-based biotechnology company. It has built a broad therapeutic development platform targeting immune disorders and cancer and is focusing on developing RNAi therapeutics. AgriGenesis is a subsidiary company focused on plant biotechnology. Its BioJoule project is utilising shrubby willow to produce ethanol, unsulphonated lignin and xylose. For more information, please visit www.agrigenesis.co.nz About IChemE Awards The annual IChemE Awards programme encourages, celebrates and rewards innovation and excellence. The awards aim to recognise and promote organisations which make an outstanding contribution to safety, the environment, sustainable development and other aspects of the process industries. They are given in the general context of sustainable development defined as “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs” This means ensuring that environmental development occurs without damaging the environment by over-exploiting natural resources, and that its benefits are shared equitably in society. Media contacts: Joyce Yip, External Relations, IChemE, Tel: +44 1788 534414 jyip@icheme.org Stephen Hall, Chief Executive - Genesis Research and Development Corporation Limited, +64 21 715 725 |