From green waste stream
to green mobility

From green waste stream
to green mobility

HTU® demonstration plant

HTU® Industries is actively engaged in the preparations for the realization of a demonstration plant based on HTU® technology. This patented Hydro Thermal Upgrading (HTU®) conversion technology converts wet organic waste streams, such as manure, roadside grass, and sewage sludge, into biocrude within 15 minutes – a biological, oil-like product with an energy density comparable to fossil oil. Biocrude can be directly applied as biobitumen for the production of green asphalt, upgraded via existing refining installations to biomethanol for ship fuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for aviation, and hydrogen.
In this phase, the technology builds on earlier research and is further refined and developed by a highly qualified multidisciplinary team, preparing it for commercial-scale deployment. More than 25 experts are participating, including colleagues from HTU® Industries BV, leading university professors, and engineers (with PhDs) from partner organizations. They bring extensive expertise in the fields of sustainable energy, CO₂ reduction, emission control, and the circular economy. Thanks to this unique combination of knowledge and experience, the HTU® technology is being carefully prepared for full operational deployment (TRL 9 level) – first in the Netherlands and subsequently worldwide.

What makes this technology unique is that during the process, the CO₂ naturally present in wet organic waste streams is fully captured and does not enter the atmosphere. This results in a double positive effect: on the one hand, the CO₂ present is captured, and on the other hand, fossil oil, which adds extra CO₂ to the atmosphere, is replaced by green oil (biocrude). And the HTU® technology prevents emissions from manure, such as ammonia and methane.

HTU® Industries: The solution for nitrogen and climate.

Client logo
Client logo

The reason

The world faces an enormous challenge; to combat climate change, we must drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The IPCC warns that without intervention, the temperature increase will exceed 1.5°C, with serious consequences such as sea level rise, drought, and loss of biodiversity. The Netherlands is also dealing with a nitrogen crisis, which puts pressure on agriculture, nature, and the construction sector. Sustainable solutions are therefore not only desirable, but necessary!

The Netherlands has pledged to be climate neutral by 2050, with 95% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 (Climate Act). This is an enormous challenge, given that current developments in this area are progressing slowly so far. HTU® Industries will contribute substantially to this by producing biocrude from wet organic waste streams, such as manure, roadside grass, and sewage sludge. This biocrude, an oil-like substance, replaces fossil raw materials and can be used as biobitumen for the production of green asphalt and, in the long term, as biofuel for aviation and shipping.

​The purpose

The HTU® technology has previously demonstrated its performance in a pilot plant with a capacity of 100 kg per hour. The technology has been successfully tested in a practical environment and validated under realistic operation conditions. Based on these results, the technology is currently positioned at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6 and 7.

In recent years, the technology has been further refined by Jaap Naber and Frans Goudriaan, and the foundation has been laid for demonstration on an industrial scale. This planned demonstration plant will process approximately 25,000 tons of organic matter (approximately 125,000 tons of manure) annually into 12,500 tons of biocrude and 8,000 tons of ReNure.

This substantially reduces CO₂ emissions, eliminates emissions of ammonia and methane, and creates economic value for agricultural entrepreneurs.

In addition to engineering and the development of the business case, the further preparations also includes research into:

  • A test program for the technical design of the HTU® process.
  • Emission reduction analyses for CO₂ and nitrogen.
  • Location research and letters of intent (LoI) for raw materials and products.
  • Research into raw material and product chains for supply and off-take.
  • Risk inventory (technical, financial, operational).
  • Validation of the business case, including CAPEX and OPEX estimates and scenario analysis.

Connection to the Climate Plan
This technology seamlessly aligns with the Dutch Climate Plan, which focuses on sustainable energy, circular raw materials, and emission reduction. By replacing fossil bitumen and, in the long term, enabling biofuels for shipping and aviation, HTU® Industries makes a concrete contribution to the transition to a climate-neutral and low-nitrogen future.

Join the transition

This decision-making phase provides investors and partners with a solid basis for further decisions. Would your organization like to contribute to an innovative solution that helps the Netherlands achieve its climate goals? Contact us to explore how you can participate.
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