A UK-based company aims to expand into new markets with a novel fuel pellet containing UK grain following a grant from the UK's Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) Enterprise Awards.

By including grain with Miscanthus, Bical believes it will be able to produce a pellet which is more robust than a pellet without the inclusion of grain. Designed to compete with wood pellets, most of which are imported into the UK, Bical’s pellet will be targeted for use in renewable energy heating systems operated by local authorities, and the leisure sector. The pellets will also be suitable for the growing number of domestic biomass boilers which are now being installed. Bical’s HGCA grant will be used to fund test production, firing trials, and further market research of the new product.

Dr. Mike Carver, Technical Consultant with Bical said: “The new pellets will contain grain, which means they will be more robust than pellets without. The lower volume retail markets, such as local authorities and the leisure sector, require a more robust pellet because they are subject to more transportation before they reach the destination where they will be burned. We believe the inclusion of small amounts of milled cereal will make the pellets more durable and even more suited to this retail market than imported wood pellets. With the help of the funding, we will be able to concentrate our efforts on reaching our target markets, and promoting the benefits of this innovative product.”

Chairman of HGCA’s Market Development Committee Julian Gibbons, says: “UK growers have a major role to play in helping this country to combat global warming, and Bical’s product is another example of how grain farmers can contribute. Furthermore Bical is helping to create new market opportunities for UK growers.”