Breakthrough in Next Generation Biofuels

Dr. Randy Cortright to address conversion of biomass into gasoline

Burson-Marsteller

For Interviews:

George Clarke, 202-530-4682

Mobile: 703-447-6885

George.Clarke@bm.com

Virent Energy Systems, a next-generation biofuels company based in Madison, Wisconsin, has figured out how to convert biomass into gasoline instead of ethanol. On Tuesday, Sept. 23rd, 2008 at 2 p.m. EST, three leading experts from academia and industry will host a panel discussion at the National Science Foundation (located in Arlington, Ballston Metro station) to highlight the opportunities and challenges in bringing plant-derived gasoline to market. Specifically, Dr. Randy Cortright, Co-Founder, Executive Vice President Virent Energy Systems, Inc. will be one the key panelists. Additionally, Dr. Cortright also will be attending a Congressional R&D Caucus Wednesday., Sept. 24, and will be available for comments and one-one briefings.

Topics Dr. Cortright will address at both events:

— Production of environmentally friendly gasoline, diesel and jet fuel made from food crops or non-food feedstocks

— Explanation of how second-generation biofuel known as cellulosic gasoline, or "green gasoline," can and will be used

— Exploration of additional biofuel technological advances and breakthroughs to come

— Rapid adoption of "green gasoline" for petroleum companies to general consumer

Dr. Cortright is a leading figure in the field of catalytic processing of biomass-derived feedstocks into chemicals and fuels. He is the co-inventor of Aqueous Phase Reforming, the innovative pathway to biofuels and bioproducts used by Virent’s BioForming(TM) technology platform. Dr. Cortright’s background includes research and development, process design, start-up, and operations of large scale industrial catalytic processes at UOP LLC, a provider of petroleum and petrochemical process technologies. He received BS and MS degrees in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. After leaving UOP, Dr. Cortright earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. In academia, he specialized in catalytic systems for the clean manufacturing of fuels and petrochemicals. Dr. Cortright currently holds seven issued patents and is the author of over 40 technical publications.

Founded in 2002, Virent developed an innovative technology which generates hydrogen from sugar. Researchers at Virent have since further advanced the technology into the BioForming(R) process, which combines APR with other technologies to produce renewable liquid fuels, fuel gases, and other chemicals. Visit www.virent.com.

TABLE

BRIEFING SCHEDULE: Tuesday, Sept 23: 10 AM – 1 PM ET; 4 – 5 PM ET

___________________ Wednesday, Sept 24: 8 – 10 AM ET; 4 – 5 PM ET

WHAT ELSE:_________ ABOUT DR. CORTRIGHT AND VIRENT ENERGY SYSTEMS

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