Challenges and opportunities of hydrothermal carbonisation in the UK; Case study in Chirnside

Abstract

The latest research and development in hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) processes are reviewed and the feasibility of application to small towns in the UK is assessed. The HTC process designed in this report is theoretically evaluated for the biodegradable municipal waste and sewage waste produced by the small-town Chirnside, in the Scottish Borders. Calculation of mass and energy balances of the process are carried out alongside the evaluation of challenges and environmental, social and economic opportunities presented. The hypothetical HTC plant is capable of processing Chirnside's waste at a rate of 72.5 kg h-1 and has a positive net energy. The hydrochar produced is capable of producing 1452 MW h per year which equates to 35.6% of Chirnside's predicted energy demand in 2041. Both the expected opportunities and challenges for the application of HTC are discussed, sheding light on the associated research on sustainable technology.