Energy

Biocrude from sewage

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of wet wastes involves increasing the temperature and pressure of the water so it reaches close to its  supercritical state where it acts as a solvent of organic materials. Depending on the feedstock and process conditions it can produce a good quality biocrude.

Currently we are investigating the opportunities to produce a biocrude from sewage sludge and food wastes. HTL of sewage sludge has the additional advantages of significantly densifying the sludge in a small foot print, sterilising it, and reducing the levels of contamination - PFAS, pharma, microplastics.

We work with Dr Arjan Abeynaike at Otago University on these developments.

Bioenergy Association of NZ (BANZ)

Long-haul transport accounts for around a third of New Zealand's energy GHGs emissions. The best solution for land is uncertain with the options being better batteries and charging, clean gases (e.g. hydrogen), and biofuels. But heavy marine and long-haul air will require drop-in fuels for the medium-term, limiting the options to biofuels or synthetic fuels.

BANZ liquid biofuels interest group is working to reduce the uncertainty in fuels for long-haul land transport, and to lower the cost and increase the supply of biofuels for heavy marine and long-haul aviation.

Simon Arnold is the convener for the group .