CHOU, CHI — Department of Agriculture SBIR Phase I: 8.5

Description

The one-step cane sugar process respondsto the USDA NIFA SBIR Program Priorities in regards to agriculturally related manufacturing technology and energy efficiency. The technology developed from this project will (1) reduce the energy and water consumed per cane sugar product, (2) provide an economic alternative for producing U.S. Food Grade sugar worldwide, (3) eliminate hazardous solid waste production from sugar refineries and (4) reduce overall anthropogenic carbon dioxideproduction. Process intensification is a top-priority of the United States agriculture industry in regards to national security, global competitiveness, and protecting the environment. The United States is expected to show a path forward to the rest of the world through innovation. The energy savings from full-scale implementation could create jobs by providing power for up to 138,000 new medium-sized factories. The one-step sugar technology can aid in producing economically viable United States Food Grade sugar worldwide by eliminating sugar produced by sulfitation. Water shortages in the western United States and across the world demands the efficient use our water resources in food production. Lastly, combatting climate change through the reduction of GHG emissions must be a global effort. The one-step cane sugar process addresseseach of these issues for the benefit of the public.