ConocoPhillips and Archer Daniels Midland Company have agreed to collaborate on the development of renewable transportation fuels from biomass.

According to a joint press release, the alliance will research and seek to commercialize two components of a next-generation biofuel production process – the conversion of biomass from crops, wood or switchgrass into biocrude, a non-fossil substance that can be processed into fuel; and the refining of biocrude to produce transportation fuel.

Jim Mulva, chairman and chief executive officer, ConocoPhillips said, “We are hopeful that this collaboration will provide innovative technology toward the large-scale production of biofuels that can be moved efficiently and affordably through existing infrastructure.”

Patricia Woertz, chairman and chief executive officer, ADM, added, “As we advance our global bioenergy interests, this alliance with ConocoPhillips represents an important next step. Innovative collaboration like this will identify and bring to market feasible, economic and sustainable next-generation biofuels.”