Processes Webinar | Sustainable Carbon Solutions by HTC Technology: Products and Market Potential
the chair
16th Processes Webinar
Sustainable Carbon Solutions by HTC Technology: Products and Market Potential
Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is emerging as a key technology for the sustainable management of biomass and organic waste, offering a pathway to produce a carbon-rich solid (hydrochar) as well as a liquid product (process water) containing valuable compounds. As technological innovation progresses, so does the commercial viability and market interest in HTC-derived materials.
This webinar will explore the latest advancements in HTC technologies, the expanding range of product applications, and their market readiness. A special focus will be given to how current and upcoming environmental policies—such as the EU Green Deal, carbon reduction targets, and circular economy strategies—are shaping the innovation, investment, and large-scale adoption of HTC.
Join industry leaders, researchers, and policy experts to explore how technology, product development, and regulation converge to drive HTC’s role in the green transition.
Time: 3:00 p.m. CET | 9:00 a.m. EST
Webinar ID: 842 5867 9526
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Meet the Event Chair
Meet Our Speakers
Dr. Judy Libra
Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB),
Department Systems Process Engineering, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany;
Dr. Judy Libra´s research on biochar has focused on understanding how conversion processes (hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis) affect product characteristics as well as impact the use of biochar materials in soil and in environmental applications. She started her career as a chemical engineer in the petrochemical industry before obtaining her Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UCLA. She received her degree in environmental process engineering from the Technische Universität Berlin (TUB), lecturing at both the TUB and the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus. Her work at the German Federal Environment Agency and the German Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech) focused on the sustainable management of water resources, which in 2011 took her to the ATB, working first on water-use efficiency in agriculture and then on thermal conversion processes.
Mr. Marc Buttmann
TerraNova Energy GmbH, Germany;
After completing his electrical engineering studies at the University of Stuttgart, Marc Buttmann gained international professional experience in process automation, most recently in executive positions at medium-sized companies in the environmental and water industries.
In 2008, he founded TerraNova Energy GmbH, which he continues to lead to this day. The company has established itself as a global pioneer in hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and processes organic waste materials such as sewage sludge and biowaste into renewable coal. With projects in China, Japan, Mexico, Turkey, and Poland, TerraNova Energy is an international leader in the commercial implementation of HTC. Another focus is on innovative solutions for phosphorus recovery, thermal pressure hydrolysis, and permanent CO2 removal from the atmosphere.
TerraNova Energy has received multiple awards for its innovation, including the prestigious German Business Innovation Award.
Dr. Fritz Keller
4C-Chem GmbH, act4carbon e.V., Germany;
Dr. Fritz Keller has experience in carbon sequestration and sustainable climate solutions, material sciences (e.g., innovative and sustainable surface coating solutions), automotive technologies (e.g., polymer and coolant chemistry and failure analysis of complex technical systems), and process engineering (e.g., dispersing and pyrotechnics)
He also has many years of experience working on analytical, consulting, and technical and chemical-related issues, including knowledge transfer events and seminars.
From 1997 to 2002 he worked for Pyrotechnics. From 2003 to 2010 he served as a Laboratory Manager in the Automotive Industry. From 2010 to 2012 he worked as a CRO in a Chemical Engineering Company, and from 2012 to 2022 he was a Laboratory Manager for thermal engineering and material sciences organizations. Since 2022 he has served as the General Manager of 4C-Chem .
Sponsors and Partners
Organizer
The webinar was hosted via Zoom and required registration to attend. The full recording can be found below. In order to learn about future webinars, you can sign up to our newsletter by clicking “Subscribe” at the top of the page.
The webinar ‘Sustainable Carbon Solutions by HTC Technology’ brought together leading experts to discuss the scientific, technological, and commercial potential of hydrothermal carbonization, and attracted ca. 70 online participants. The session provided an highly considered topic with an Highlight on HTC as an efficient, low-cost solution for complex waste streams, with proven scalability and emerging business models. Speakers also addressed all questions from audiences with regulatory perspectives and opportunities for market development. The event concluded with an invitation to continue following the HTC Network and the announcement of the 5th International HTC Symposium in Italy in 2027.