USDA grants $5.08m to explore potential of oilseed camelina as biofuel feedstock

The US Department of Agriculture has provided a grant of $5.08m to a Kansas State University (K-State)-led research team to explore the viability of oilseed camelina as potential biofuel feedstock.

Research will focus on the production of bio-based chemicals and products from plant-based and grain-based materials such as oils, proteins and fibres.

From studies conducted earlier, camelina-based jet fuel cuts carbon emissions by nearly 80% when compared to existing jet fuels.

Led by K-State Grain Science and Industry professor Xiuzhi Sun, the research team also includes scientists from Montana State University, University of Wyoming, StrathKirn, Montana Gluten Free and Henkel.

Sun said that the primary goal is to make oilseed camelina a cost-effective bio-energy and bio-based product feedstock.

"This project will generate substantial information that will build a foundation to make nonfood oilseeds a better resource for biofuels, chemicals and bioproducts, with minimal negative impact on food crop systems or the environment," Sun added.

Commenting on the importance of bio-energy, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack earlier stated, "USDA’s continuing investments in research and development are proving a critical piece of President Obama’s strategy to spur innovation of clean bioenergy right here at home and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

USDA, through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, has granted the funding for the camelina project under its $25m initiative to advance research in next-generation energy and high-value biobased products from a range of biomass sources.