Marine industry consortium confirms positive test results using Gevo’s isobutanol in boat engines

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 13, 2015 – A consortium of leading organizations from the recreational marine industry has completed more than four years of testing Gevo’s (Nasdaq:GEVO) renewable isobutanol in marine engines. Thousands of hours of testing showed that isobutanol blends of up to 16.1% can be used in marine engines without deterioration of engine or boat performance. The tests were performed in collaboration with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and several engine and boat manufacturers across the industry. The testing was also supported by The US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL).

The consortium tested many engine technologies from several engine and boat manufacturers, and included measurements of gaseous and particulate engine exhaust emissions, combustion analysis, cold start, run ability, durability and more. No engine exhaust emissions failures, durability issues or run ability issues were experienced during the multi-year test program.

At the Miami Boat Show, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) reported the results of the tests and offered media and consumers test rides on a 25 Bay Boat by Crevalle Boats powered by an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 HP engine. The fuel is a blend of 16.1% of Gevo’s isobutanol with gasoline. “Boaters have the opportunity to test how the fuel works first hand at the show, and that’s definitely part of the equation in creating interest and demand for this next-generation bio-fuel,” said Jeff Wasil, Engineering Manager in Emissions Testing, Certification and Regulatory Development for BRP-Evinrude. “All engines performed very well throughout the testing program. It’s great to have a biofuel that is so transparent to engine and boat performance all the while minimizing fuel related issues such as phase separation of water and corrosion.”

“This data reconfirms that the properties of isobutanol make it an excellent renewable blendstock for the marine market. We are excited to supply renewable isobutanol for marine and off-road applications and we look forward to growing this market with many of the participants from the consortium,” said Dr. Patrick Gruber, Gevo’s Chief Executive Officer.

About Gevo

Gevo is a leading renewable technology, chemical products, and next generation biofuels company. Gevo has developed proprietary technology that uses a combination of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering to focus primarily on the production of isobutanol, as well as related products from renewable feedstocks. Gevo’s strategy is to commercialize biobased alternatives to petroleum-based products to allow for the optimization of fermentation facilities’ assets, with the ultimate goal of maximizing cash flows from the operation of those assets. Gevo produces isobutanol, ethanol and high-value animal feed at its fermentation plant in Luverne, MN. Gevo has also developed technology to produce hydrocarbon products from renewable alcohols. Gevo currently operates a biorefinery in Silsbee, TX, in collaboration with South Hampton Resources Inc., to produce renewable jet fuel, octane, and ingredients for plastics like polyester. Gevo has a marquee list of partners including The Coca-Cola Company, Toray Industries Inc. and Total SA, among others. Gevo is committed to a sustainable bio-based economy that meets society’s needs for plentiful food and clean air and water.

Source

Gevo, Inc., press release, 2015-02-13.

Supplier

American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)
Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP)
BRP-Evinrude Outboard Engines
Department of Energy, Energy Efficient and Renewable Energy (EERE)
Gevo Inc.
National Marine Manufacturers Association NMMA
US Department of Energy (DoE)

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