Unlocking Biochar and Hydrochar: Solutions for Organic Waste Pollution

Hydrochar and biochar up close. — C-Green technology hydrochar with first industrial hydrochar plant." Photo Courtsey of BioEnergy International.

In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions and waste management, hydrochar and biochar are candidates to help alleviate soil, air and water pollution coming from rotting or burning organic waste while reaping energy sources.

These chars, biochar and hydrochar, are coal-like substances that can be used to sequester carbon from the air and for energy production since their output can be turned into biogas to power vehicles. The quest for renewable energy has found viable results in these chars.

On a global scale 2.4 million metric tons of waste are organic and either rotting, producing toxic methane in landfills, or burned, contributing to air pollution.

Scientists across the globe are studying the effects of using this biomass to produce hydrochar and biochar, solid carbon masses made from organic waste such as food scraps, sewage sludge, and agricultural waste, and converting this waste into a source of energy.

Raw Materials to Produce Biochar and Hydrochar

Raw materials used to produce biochar and hydrochar — Common "waste" materials that can be used in the production of hydrochar and biochar. Photo courtesy from ecomingjie.com. Manufacturers and Consultants of Pyrolysis plants for biochar, tire and plastic recycling in Zhengzhou City, China.

When biomass (organic waste) or sewage sludge are heated at high temperatures combined with specific pressures through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), or through another process called pyrolysis, the result is a versatile carbon material, hydrochar or biochar, respectively.

Final Product, Hydrochar and Biochar:

Due to their porosity and mineral composition, these char possibly offers a range of environmental and benefits, the first of which is mitigating soil, air, and water pollution from organic waste, which can be transformed into useful energy sources to produce biodiesel, biogas and fertilizers and even purify water. The truth is, there are already viable options for renewable energy and they need increasing funding and amplification in the energy sector, by both private enterprise and public institutions.

Interestingly, Mother Nature takes about 260 to 360 million years to make coal. Scientists can mimic this process through hydrothermal carbonization (industrial scale pressure cooking) and pyrolisis recreate a carbon substance useful for diverse applications from sewage sludge... in hours, so to speak.

Diagram: "How is hydrochar and biochar made?" — The process of making hydrochar and biochar from organic waste materials.

In the following part of this blog post, we will explore how hydrochar is made, its benefits, the potential for investing in hydrochar, and key industry insights. We'll focus on hydrochar versus biochar, because HTC (hydrothermal carobonization) required to make hydrochar is less energy intensive than pyrolysis (required to make biochar).

Diagram explaining the difference between hydrochar and biochar — The Difference between biochar and hydrochar. Hydrochar can be produced when its input is still aqueous, whereas the biochar requires the input material to be dry. Dr. Farid Safari, University of Ontario, Green Carbon Webinar 2021.

Origins of Hydrochar

Hydrothermal carbonization is the process used to produce hydrochar . This method involves subjecting biomass to high temperatures (180-250°C) and pressure in the presence of water for several hours. Unlike traditional pyrolysis (the process to make biochar), which requires dry biomass and higher temperatures, HTC can process wet biomass, including agricultural residues, food waste, and sewage sludge, meaning hydrochar is less energy intensive than biochar.

The HTC process can be summarized in the following steps:

Feedstock Preparation: The biomass feedstock is collected and, if necessary, pre-treated to ensure it meets the size and moisture requirements for HTC.
Reactor Loading: The feedstock is loaded into a reactor designed to withstand high pressure and temperature.
Hydrothermal Carbonization: Water is added, and the reactor is heated to the desired temperature. The pressure is maintained to keep the water in a liquid state, facilitating the breakdown of the biomass into hydrochar, a liquid phase (bio-oil), and gases.
Product Separation: After the reaction, the hydrochar is separated from the liquid and gas phases. The hydrochar can then be further processed or used directly on soil or to water purification systems.

Benefits of Hydrochar

Hydrochar offers numerous environmental and economic benefits, making it an attractive material for various applications:

Carbon Sequestration: Hydrochar is a stable form of carbon, which means it can sequester carbon for extended periods when applied to soil. This helps mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
Soil Improvement: When used as a soil amendment, hydrochar enhances soil fertility, water retention, and microbial activity. This leads to improved crop yields and reduced need for chemical fertilizers.
Waste Management: HTC provides a sustainable way to manage organic waste, converting it into valuable products instead of letting it decompose and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Energy Production: The process produces bio-oil and gases that can be used as renewable energy sources, contributing to a circular economy.
Versatility: Hydrochar can be used in various applications, including agriculture, water purification, and as a precursor for activated carbon.

Diagram showing how waste can be turned into renewable sources of energy. — The journey to make hydrochar and other sources of renewable energy. Courtsey of Journal of Biomass and Bioproduction, May 2024

Investing in Hydrochar

The growing interest in sustainable technologies and renewable energy has made hydrochar an attractive investment opportunity. Here are a few reasons why investors should consider hydrochar:

Market Growth: The global biochar market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Hydrochar, as a subset of biochar, stands to benefit from this growth due to its unique advantages over traditional biochar.
Government Support: Many governments are implementing policies and providing incentives to promote sustainable practices and reduce carbon emissions. Hydrochar projects can often qualify for these incentives, enhancing their financial viability.
Technological Advancements: Ongoing research and development in HTC technology are making the process more efficient and cost-effective. Innovations in reactor design, feedstock optimization, and process control are driving down production costs.
Environmental Impact: Investing in hydrochar aligns with the growing trend of impact investing, where investors seek to generate positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns.

Key Industry Insights

Emerging Technologies: Advancements in HTC technology are making hydrochar production more efficient and scalable. Innovations in feedstock preprocessing, reactor design, and process optimization are key areas to watch.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations between academia, industry, and government agencies are driving research and development in the hydrochar sector. These partnerships are essential for overcoming technical challenges and accelerating commercialization.
Regulatory Environment: The regulatory landscape for hydrochar is evolving. Understanding the compliance requirements and incentives available in different regions is crucial for businesses and investors.
Market Diversification: Hydrochar's versatility opens up opportunities in various markets, including agriculture, energy, waste management, and water treatment. Companies that can diversify their applications will be well-positioned to capitalize on multiple revenue streams.
Sustainability Goals: As more companies and governments commit to sustainability goals, the demand for green solutions like hydrochar is expected to rise. Businesses that can demonstrate the environmental benefits of hydrochar will have a competitive edge.

Conclusion

Hydrochar represents a promising solution to some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Its ability to sequester carbon, improve soil health, and manage waste sustainably makes it a valuable material for the future. With ongoing advancements in technology and growing market interest, investing in hydrochar offers significant potential for both financial returns and positive environmental impact. As the industry evolves, staying informed about the latest developments and trends will be key to unlocking the full potential of hydrochar.

Extra resources for looking into the profitability and stakeholder opportunities in biochar and hydrochar:

SoMax Circular Solutions

Hydochar processing plant, industrial complex in the United States.

Address:

501 S Main St.

Spring City, Pennsylvania 19475

Get in touch: Contact@somaxhtc.com

TerraNova Energy

Sustainable energy solutions

TerraNova Energy GmbH

Schirmerstrasse 61

D-40211 Düsseldorf