Hydrothermal Liquefaction

Technology Also known as: HTL, Hydrothermal Processing

Quick Overview

HTL uses supercritical water to convert wet waste into biocrude without drying — efficient for algae, sewage sludge, wet biomass.

Related terms: thermochemical-liquefaction chemical-recycling feedstock lignocellulosic-biomass

Overview

Thermochemical process converting wet biomass or plastic waste into biocrude oil using water at elevated temperatures (250-400°C) and pressures. Suitable for high-moisture feedstocks without energy-intensive drying.

Key Concepts

HTL uses supercritical water to convert wet waste into biocrude without drying — efficient for algae, sewage sludge, wet biomass.

Industry Landscape

Major Companies & Projects

Licella, Genifuel, Steeper Energy, Aarhus University, PNNL are actively developing hydrothermal liquefaction technologies and applications.

Applications

Wet biomass, Algae, Sewage sludge, Food waste, Lignocellulosic biomass

Standards & Certifications

thermochemical-liquefaction, chemical-recycling, feedstock, lignocellulosic-biomass

Further Reading

  • Industry reports from Nova-Institute, European Bioplastics, ISCC
  • Peer-reviewed literature in Green Chemistry, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
  • Regulatory updates from EU Commission, USDA BioPreferred, FDA

Major Producers

  • Licella
  • Genifuel
  • Steeper Energy
  • Aarhus University
  • PNNL

Key Applications

  • Wet biomass
  • Algae
  • Sewage sludge
  • Food waste
  • Lignocellulosic biomass