These ongoing projects relate to the work that HGCA has commissioned in relation to grain for renewable and industrial uses.
Click on the titles for an upshot of the problem to be addressed, the aims, the approach and the benefits to the industry. Also will be attached the latest information in the form of Annual Project Reports (APRs) or Interim Reports.
RD-2004-2979 Genetic Reduction of Energy use and Emissions of Nitrogen in cereal production GREEN grain (LK0959).
To improve the value of UK wheat for ethanol production and non-ruminant feeding, and to reduce costs of growing wheat for these and other markets.
RD-2004-3039 Improved oilseed rape cultivars for the biolubricant market.
To evaluate and promote the production and value of winter oilseed rape cultivars for biolubricants and other specific market uses.
RD-2005-3176: Maximising the yield of high value components from wheat by fractionation
The project aims to define the variation in yields, purity and value of bran and starch-rich fractions from a range of wheat germplasm in order to inform the industry of the feedstock specification to optimise high value components for cereal biorefineries.
RD-2006-3314: Maximising bioethanol processing yield of UK wheat: Effects of non starch polysaccharides in grain
With a UK government target of 5% of transport fuels from renewable sources by 2010, a significant market for biofuels is emerging and wheat will be the principal feedstock. To optimise production, there is a need to quantify bioethanol yield and understand the contribution of grain constituents on yield.
RD-2004-3086 Lightweight eco-composites based on renewable raw materials (DTI Ref APPS2B).
To develop novel technologies for industrial production of lighweight eco-composites applicable in many industrial sectors.
RD-2006-3351 Novel Bio-Composites based on whole utilisation of wheat straw
This project aims to develop a commercially viable technology for the production of straw-based biocomposites for industrial applications including packaging, tree shelters, construction/traffic barriers, clay pigeons and wood plastic composites.
RD-2007-3357 Understanding and predicting the determination of alcohol yield from wheat
This project aims to develop a rational basis for understanding and predicting alcohol yield in wheat.
RD-2007-3356 Reducing the carbon footprint of the lubricants industry by the substitution of mineral oil with rapeseed oil (LK0843)
To investigate methods of reducing the oil PUFA content in oilseed rape varieties without substantially reducing cold tolerance and yield. Use this knowledge to develop a closed supply chain to extensively substitute fossil-derived oil for the lubricants industry.
Please click here to see publications that have arisen out of finished projects.
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