Hydrothermal carbonization: Sustainable pathways for waste‐to‐energy conversion and biocoal production

• DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.13150
• Publication Date: 2024-05-16T06:44:48Z
• Authors: Ajit Singh; Abu Danish Aiman ...; Yi Jing Chan; Anita Chakrabarty; Anurita Selvarajoo; Yousif Abdalla Abakr; Pau Loke Show
• Keywords: Hydrothermal Carbonization; Sustainable Energy; Waste-to-Energy

Abstract Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technology emerges as a sustainable method to convert wet biomass, including food waste and municipal solid into high‐energy dense biocoal. This process, conducted at temperatures ranging from 180 260°C pressures of 10–50 bar, effectively transforms the organic material in biomass solid, liquid, gaseous outputs. The product, biocoal, possesses high carbon concentration heating values on par with lignite coal, presenting cleaner alternative traditional fossil fuels. Despite operational commercial‐scale HTC facilities globally, further adoption across various feedstocks can improve management energy production. process achieve yields up 80%, particularly favoring generation secondary char higher values. not only aids reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sequestration but also promotes environmental sustainability by yielding nutrient‐rich by‐products for agriculture. As versatile energy‐efficient solution, is pivotal innovation waste‐to‐energy conversion, addressing imperative management. Other supplementary benefits are presented; they include employability, reduction nation's reliance imported energy, better control, therefore considering all pillars sustainability. Future research should focus optimizing efficiency exploring broader applicability feedstocks, enhancing its role global pursuit solutions.