A pilot-scale trial of oil and biodiesel production from high-oleic sunflower was performed in Tuscany
(central Italy). An experimental investigation was carried out to evaluate thefield performance and the
product properties and yields of two high-oleic hybrids (PR64 H31 and PR65 H41). The processing facility, a pilot plant with a limited production capacity located in the proximity of the productionfield,
included a platform for oil production and transesterification. The oil yields of the two high-oleic varieties were around 35% with respect to seed weight. The sunflower seed oils obtained fulfilled most of the
quality requirements for the use of vegetable oils as engine fuels. The production of biodiesel was carried
out in the transesterification unit. However, the production and the direct use of the sunflower seed oil
seemed to be a more suitable option than its conversion to biodiesel, especially at a small scale like that
considered in this study. The possible exploitation of seed pressing co-product (sunflower cake) as solid
biofuel was assessed. The relatively high calorific value (21 MJ kg
1
) and the low moisture content (