HYDROTHERMAL LIQUEFACTION IN THE GREEN ENERGY TRANSITION Giulio Italo Rodio, ETA Florence Renewable Energies, Italy
HTL is a fast-developing technology that can provide multiple advantages for the circular economy. A recent event explored both the status of the technology and the perspectives of different end users.
T
he European Green New Deal is pushing for the pursuit of novel technologies that are able to reverse the fossil fuel-based paradigm funded on a linear economy by shifting towards a circular economy sustained by renewable energy sources. In this context, Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL), a thermochemical conversion approach for the production of advanced biofuels, is an emerging and promising technology in the currently Research & Development
(R&D) phase; in recent years, it has been attracting the interest of the industry which has high stakes in decarbonizing its operations. The interest in HTL is surging due to its feedstock flexibility which can unlock the use of biogenic urban residuals such as sewage sludge. The main obstacle concerning the reutilization of sewage sludge is caused by its high-water content and complex mixture of multiple compounds. The valorization of wet sewage sludge into valuable and
Biocrude obtained from Steeper Energy proprietary Hydrofaction technology.
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useful products has the potential of augmenting energy production and to tackle disposal and waste management issues. However, the wet characteristics of this feedstock are not particularly well suited for several available thermochemical conversion processes (e.g., fast pyrolysis, gasification, and incineration) requiring a dry intake. In contrast, HTL does not only tolerate but also appreciate high water content feedstock, which clearly convey the additional value of this technology.
