IEA Task 34 Direct Thermochemical Liqueafaction (DTL) Networking Day

Denmark is part of IEA Task 34 Direct Thermochemical Liquefaction to further Danish research and industrial development interests within this particular field of advanced biofuels. Task 34 concerns itself with direct thermochemical liquefaction, i.e. the conversion of organic material directly to liquid form by application of temperature and, in some cases, pressure. The primary technologies are Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and pyrolysis. Direct liquefaction is a key enabler for circular reuse of organic waste streams, and offers unique handling capability, conversion efficiency and upcycling of organic and inorganic streams. This is a key element in the Horizon Europe research programme. DTL technologies are key enabling technologies not only for Green Fuels, but also for the agricultural sector to become sustainable by effectively utilization organic waste fractions (lignocellulosics, manure, poultry litter etc) as well as providing carbon sinks (biochar or gaseous CO2) and green fertilizer (recovered and recycled phosphorous).

Both HTL and pyrolysis are currently experiencing a significant surge of interest as they are proving themselves to be very efficient and competitive production pathways for advanced biofuels.  

In Denmark, the three universities engaged in DTL – AU, AAU and DTU – have significant lab scale capacity and man power for DTL research, and engage in research at the full range of TRL, together with many Danish start-up companies and large international companies like Topsoe.