Technology And Innovation Initiatives

During 2006, production of renewable diesel fuel began at a ConocoPhillips refinery in Europe, with introduction of the process anticipated soon at several of the company's U.S. refineries. Other fuel-related research is evaluating greater use of ethanol in gasoline, removal of unwanted byproducts from fuel, identification of more effective refinery catalysts, potential molecular-level enhancements to fuel blends, and thermo-chemically converting cellulosic biomass - wood, corn stover and switch grass - into bio-oil. In the first quarter of 2007, ConocoPhillips and Tyson Foods, Inc. announced a strategic alliance to produce and market the next generation of renewable diesel fuel. The alliance plans to use beef and pork by-product fat to create a transportation fuel which will help supplement the traditional petroleum-based diesel fuel supply.