DuPont claims it already brings in revenues of around $US300 million from biofuels related projects, primarily in the processing of agricultural inputs in the production of biofuels such as ethanol.

The creation of DuPont Biofuels intends to capitalise on the United States’ mandated approach to alternative fuels, while exploring significant markets throughout the world, according to DuPont senior vice-president and chief science and technology officer Tom Connelly.

“DuPont's scientific capabilities in biofuels position us well for substantial growth," he said.

“Our new Biofuels business unit will leverage DuPont's unique combination of capabilities in agricultural biotechnology, metabolic engineering, chemistry and process engineering to accelerate commercialisation of environmentally attractive, cost-effective solutions in the expanding biofuels markets around the world."

DuPont said it expected the new unit to substantially increase its activity and revenues in the biofuels sector by 2010.

The new unit will be directed by John Ranieri, vice-president and general manager of DuPont Bio-Based Materials’ Energy & Specialties division.