Chevron invests in Terviva to expand pongamia cultivation for biofuels

California-based agriculture innovation company Terviva announced that it has secured a significant investment from Chevron Renewable Energy Group to expand its pongamia cultivation operations.

This partnership aims to accelerate the production of pongamia, a high-oil content tree, as a sustainable feedstock for renewable fuels including biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Terviva’s proprietary pongamia cultivars, developed through extensive research, offer exceptional yields and resilience. Each acre of pongamia trees can produce three or more metric tons of beans, rich in oil that can be processed into biodiesel, renewable diesel, or SAF.

This low-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly energy solutions.

“Our collaboration with Chevron Renewable Energy Group marks a major milestone in scaling pongamia production and promoting its potential as a sustainable feedstock,” said Naveen Sikka, founder, and CEO of Terviva. “Together, we are driving economic growth, revitalizing agricultural lands, and contributing to a more sustainable future.”

Pongamia’s regenerative properties further enhance its appeal. The tree is drought-tolerant, nitrogen-fixing, and helps improve soil health, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers aligning with the increasing focus on sustainable agricultural practices.

“Increasing the availability of lower carbon feedstocks is crucial for the continued growth of the biofuels industry,” said Jan Slaghekke, vice president of business development and international operations for Chevron Renewable Energy Group. “Terviva’s innovative work in scaling pongamia production aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.”