Battelle and PETRONAS signed an agreement yesterday to build and operate a landmark Renewable Energy Laboratory in Malaysia.  Also partnering in the effort are Battelle-Japan and the Mitsubishi Corporation.

The global organizations are combining strengths in R&D and energy to tackle the renewable energy challenge.  They will partner to develop innovative, high-value products to grow robust and sustainable renewable energy businesses.

PETRONAS, an acronym for Petroliam Nasional Berhad, is an oil and gas corporation owned the by the Malaysian government.

Battelle President and CEO Carl Kohrt participated in a signing ceremony Nov. 15 with PETRONAS President and CEO Tan Sri Hassan, Battelle-Japan Chairman Richard Adams, and Senior Vice President and General Manager of Mitsubishi’s Innovation Center, Nobuaki Kojima.

Under the agreement the entities plan to construct a laboratory scheduled to open in 2011.  The Renewable Energy Laboratory will conduct research on renewable energy areas including biomass conversion; fuel cells; solar, hydrogen, and ocean energy.  The first phase of research will include focus on biochemicals, biofuels, and bioproducts largely focusing on the palm oil industry.

Other partners include the Mitsubishi Corporation and Battelle-Japan.  Battelle-Japan, opened in 2006, builds on a 37-year relationship between Battelle and the Mitsubishi Corporation.  Battelle owns 60 percent of the joint venture; Mitsubishi owns 40 percent.  The office is located in Tokyo.

PETRONAS, a fully-integrated oil and gas corporation, has ventures in over 33 countries and headquarters in the PETRONAS Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.  PETRONAS has about 33,000 employees and had $44 billion in revenues in 2006.  For more information visit www.petronas.com.

Battelle conducts nearly $900 million in energy-related R&D in the United States contributing to climate change solutions, bio-energy, fuel cells, nuclear power, and energy infrastructure.

Battelle is the world’s largest non-profit independent research and development organization, providing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing needs through its four global businesses:  Laboratory Management, National Security, Energy Science and Technology, and Health and Life Sciences.  It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $4 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management, and technology commercialization.  Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 20,400 employees in more than 120 locations worldwide, including seven national laboratories which Battelle manages or co-manages for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.