PROJECT OVERVIEW
HTCycle has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 823124.
The funds will be used to perform our unique cutting-edge hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technology. The sewage sludge reuse generates phosphate recovery, heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues extraction, the work is dedicated to the final integration tests of the whole process of hydrothermal carbonization (carbonization, separation, drying, recovery of phosphate and other valuables).
PROJECT FACTS
Project Acronym: HTCycle
Topic: EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020
Type of action: SME-2
Project Reference: No 823124
Theme: Sewage sludge reuse with Phosphate recovery and heavy metal absorption with an innovative HTC technology.
Contract type: Collaborative project
Start: 01/09/2018
Duration: 24 months
Budget: 1.962 Mio. €
Funding: 1.373 Mio. €
OBJECTIVES
HTCycle has the objective to adapt and rebuild a demonstration 2-reactor plant for HTC sludge treatment in Relzow (Germany) and to run demonstration tests and evidence the suitability of HTC as an optimal sludge disposal and resource recovery pathway. Sludge of the local WWTP will be treated and transformed into HTC-coal (used for process energy), activated carbon (used for water purification) and recycled phosphorus.
We aim to demonstrate and commercialize the proprietary technology for hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) using sewage sludge as raw and main material, showing clearly technical and economic advantages against the current sludge disposal methods, especially against incineration.
At the same time, we aim not only to treat the sewage sludge, but also to transform it into high-value products such as fuel, activated carbons for water treatment, soil remediation material and to recover nearly 100 % of the phosphorus (circular economy approach). In addition, 95% of the heavy metals are removed. Our HTCycle process will turn the present sewage sludge disposal from a costly process into an income-generating activity.
IMPLEMENTATION
To support the implementation of the core project activities, the project work is structured into 6 dedicated work packages (WPs):
- WP1: Adaptation of the HTC technology and analysis of market/client requirements
- WP2: Design of the HTC pilot plant
- WP3: Demo-Plant construction and tests
- WP4: Operation and demonstration
- WP5: Life cycle assessment (LCA), standardization process, cost benefit analysis (CBA) and due diligence
- WP6: Market entry activities: Support market replication of sewage sludge hydrothermal carbonization
- WP7: Project Management
PROJECT TARGET
>> Adapt a demonstration HTCycle plant for demonstration of sewage sludge treatment in Relzow (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany) and produce market relevant HTC products such as bio-coal, active carbon, recycled phosphorus and ammonium sulphate.
>> Create and demonstrate a circular business approach (sewage sludge from the WWTP – HTC- activated carbon for water purification to the WWTP).
>> Run demonstration tests for interested clients in Germany as a key market and invite potential clients from Switzerland, Belgium and Holland and perform the technical and economical due diligence for investors, banks and project finance departments.
>> Recover more than 90% of the carbon in sewage sludge through conversion to HTC-coal.
>> 85% recovery of phosphorous and recycling of aluminium and iron sulphates that remain in the resulting solids
>> Remove 95% of heavy metals from the sewage sludge
>> Strengthen the economic competitiveness of sludge handling and WWTP operators.
>> Tackle market entrance barriers by standardization and certification of the modules, compliances with regulatory issues, new finance and business models, in-depth market assessment and business plans for EU28 countries.
>> Introduce our HTC technology in the market as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for sewage sludge reuse in Europe
>> Achievement of significant cost savings (45%) and strengthen the competitiveness of European sludge dealers (waste into valuable products)
>> Achievement of demo plant that will lead our company to market leadership in the field of upgrading sewage sludge with significantly increased turnover, profit and employment
>> Creation of new jobs and income opportunities through the production and sales of valuable HTC products.
LINKS
EU-funded project:
Project & Result Service
Public News:
HTCycle granted SME Instrument – Phase 2
DOWNLOADS
Brochures Spanish:
Carbón Activado
Carbón de HTC
Sulfato de Amonio
Fósforo
Brochures English:
Activated Carbon
HTC coal
Ammonia Sulphate
Phosphorus