NEWARK, DE, Mar 13, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- O2Diesel Corporation (AMEX: OTD) today announced that its wholly
owned subsidiary, O2Diesel Europe, Plc, has signed a Technology
License and Services Agreement with KL Process Design Group (KL) to
develop the next generation of ethanol production known as
Cellulosed-Based Ethanol (CBE). The agreement secures O2Diesel's
rights to expand KL's cellulosic to ethanol fuel production
technology in Europe, India, Russia and other rapidly developing
global markets.
KL announced the start up of its cellulosic ethanol plant in August
2007. It is the first commercial small scale wood waste facility in
the USA, which is a dramatic advancement that positions them at the
forefront of the commercialization of second generation renewable
fuels. The plant, located in Wyoming, was engineered and constructed
by KL Process Design Group, who continues to operate it as well. This
significant milestone was achieved as the result of six years of
development efforts between KL and the South Dakota School of Mines
and Technology and the commitment of KL's management.
Alan Rae, CEO of O2Diesel Corporation, said, "As part of our strategy
to access competitively priced ethanol in all O2Diesel(TM) markets, we
have been investigating and evaluating multiple opportunities to
acquire leading edge ethanol production facilities or projects. In
the last 12 months we have seen well publicized government
initiatives to dramatically increase the percentage of biofuels from
second generation processes. In Europe, the focus is on new CO2
reduction directives and regulations, which we believe will lead to
far tighter scrutiny of all biofuel origins and production methods.
These actions will, in our opinion, provide a significant advantage
for O2Diesel(TM) when blended with ethanol produced from second
generation technologies. This is especially true as these renewable
fuel directives take effect, since the additional demand created
cannot be met by the current technologies which use increasingly more
expensive agriculturally based products. We believe KL has developed a
commercially ready and environmentally friendly process and has a
business model that can be easily replicated, which will provide the
opportunity for rapid, wide-scale distribution of affordable fuel
grade ethanol on a carbon positive basis. Additionally, the KL
process provides the potential for multiple natural waste feedstocks,
which supports global efforts to move renewable fuel production away
from traditional agricultural feedstocks. Access to competitively
priced ethanol from second generation production will further enhance
the environmental benefits of O2Diesel(TM) as we expand our European
and other markets."
Mr. Rae continued, "It is our intention to develop multiple
strategically placed cellulosic ethanol production plants through
joint ventures and we have already had early stage discussions in
several key markets. Initially, we will seek partners in markets that
face the most immediate regulatory requirements, such as the
countries of the European Union. In these markets, O2Diesel(TM)
blended with cellulosic ethanol will provide a significant advantage
to regulators and diesel fuel users looking to meet the
requirements."
"We are very happy to be working with O2Diesel and their partners to
take our technology and process into other advanced markets," said
Randy Kramer, President and CEO of KL Process Design Group. "We hope
our initial plant in Upton, Wyoming will be the first of many and we
see our agreement with O2Diesel as an important global extension of
our commercialization program here in the US. We have worked with
O2Diesel for over 18 months supporting their clean school bus program
and having seen the benefits in the US, are hoping to see much more
ethanol coming from the KL CBE process in O2Diesel's clean burning
fuel on a global basis."
KL has developed proprietary technologies and newly developed enzymes
to extract fuel grade ethanol from cellulosic materials such as wood
waste and other non-food feedstocks and waste materials. Its
experience with enzymes and ethanol production provide the platform
to incorporate these proven technologies that have been utilized for
years in other industries with this new process. Through these
processes, KL is able to release fermentable sugars hidden within the
wood without the use of environmentally unfriendly acids. KL projects
that its cellulosic technology, coupled with new applied design
concepts, will allow the plants to be built to match the amount and
type of feed stock available near large cities, further lessening the
fuel's carbon foot print and eliminating ethanol transportation
issues. KL's advanced biofuels plants will also produce excess steam
heat and/or electricity that can provide additional power sources for
local municipalities or complement biofuel plants and manufacturing
facilities.
Additional information regarding the terms of the license can be
located in O2Diesel's Form 8-K filed today with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
More About KL Process Design Group
KL Process Design Group, LLC is a privately held company located in
Rapid City, SD which specializes in bio-fuels project development,
engineering, construction, and plant management with an emphasis on
ethanol made from cellulose and grain feedstock. For more information
visit www.klprocess.com
More About O2Diesel: The Company and Its Fuel Technology
O2Diesel Corporation (AMEX: OTD) and its US subsidiary O2Diesel,
Inc., is a pioneer in the commercial development of a cleaner-burning
diesel fuel alternative that provides exceptional performance and
environmental qualities for centrally fueled fleets and off-road
equipment of all kinds. Engineered and designed for universal
application, O2Diesel(TM) is an ethanol-diesel blend that
substantially reduces harmful emissions without sacrificing power and
performance. Extensive independent and government-recognized
laboratory and in-use field tests have demonstrated the effectiveness
of O2Diesel(TM) -- the introduction of this cost-effective,
cleaner-burning diesel fuel is now underway in the United States and
other global markets. For more information please refer to
www.o2diesel.com.
Forward Looking Statements
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding
O2Diesel Corporation's business which are not historical facts are
'forward-looking statements' that involve risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and
uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ
from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including,
without limitation, the failure to obtain adequate financing on a
timely basis and other risks and uncertainties. Actual results could
differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements, as a result of either the matters set forth or
incorporated in this report generally or certain economic and
business factors, some of which may be beyond the control of
O2Diesel. These factors include adverse economic conditions, entry of
new and stronger competitors, inadequate capital, unexpected costs,
failure to gain product approval in the United States or foreign
countries for the commercialization and distribution of our products,
failure to capitalize upon access to new markets and failure in
obtaining the quality and quantity of ethanol necessary to produce
our product at competitive prices. O2Diesel disclaims any obligation
subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect
events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to
reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
"O2Diesel" and "CityHome" are trademarks of O2Diesel Corporation.
Contact:
O2Diesel Corporation
Alan Rae
+1 (302) 266 6000
For KL Process Design Group
Tom Martin
Media Relations Manager
(605) 718.0372 x16
Tom Slunecka
Vice President - Business Development
(402) 575-5855
SOURCE: O2Diesel Corporation