HTU® Industries originated from the collaboration between two experienced scientists, Ir. Jaap Naber and Dr. Ir. Frans Goudriaan. Together, they developed the Hydrothermal Upgrading (HTU®) technology.
We combine technological innovation with an integrated approach: from manure surpluses to high-quality products for infrastructure and mobility, without energy-intensive processes. This provides a solution that is both ecologically and economically valuable.
A sustainable future for sustainable infrastructure and clean mobility.
His focus is on thermochemical processes and innovative solutions within the energy transition.
As co-founder of Biofuel B.V., Jaap Naber played a key role in the development of the HTU® process (Hydrothermal Upgrading), a technology that efficiently converts wet biomass into biocrude – a sustainable raw material for biobitumen and biofuels such as biodiesel and SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). Jaap is co-inventor of several patents, including the international patent US 7,262,331* from 2007.
Within HTU® Industries, Jaap focuses on further developing the HTU technology, with the aim of using biocrude as a base for bitumen for green asphalt, and in the long term, bio methanol as a raw material for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biofuel for the shipping industry.
With his in-depth knowledge of thermochemical conversion and his innovative approach, Jaap contributes to solutions that reduce CO2 emissions, break fossil dependency and strengthen the circular economy. He is determined to complete the innovations he started together with Frans Goudriaan with a powerful, energetic and green result.
Connects technology, market and stakeholders for a green energy transition.
Roel Koetzier is an experienced commercial engineer with an impressive track record in the international energy and chemical sector. His expertise lies in international business development of technical products and projects, combined with commercial operation and a strong customer focus.
Within HTU® Industries, Roel plays a key role in building customer and supplier relationships, closing contracts and selecting suitable locations for installation.
In addition, he supports the technical design process, ensuring that the business case for sustainable fuels is optimally realized. With his experience in strategic partnerships, contract formation and market development, Roel provides a solid foundation for projects that contribute to the energy transition, CO₂ reduction, green mobility and the circular economy.
Roel connects technology, market and stakeholders to enable innovative solutions, including scaling up HTU® technology for applications in biocrude, green asphalt, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and shipping fuels.
Technical expert in HTU® and sustainable biomass innovation.
Robert Berends has a rich history in innovative technologies for the sustainable valorization of waste and biomass residual streams, including gasification, combustion and HTU® (Hydrothermal Upgrading).
As project leader at TNO (2000–2005), Robert played a crucial role in the HTU® pilot plant project and gained extensive technical experience in process development.
At TNO, Robert contributed to life cycle analyses (LCA) of the HTU® process, which focused on the conversion of organic residual streams (sugar beet, onion pulp, roadside grass, etc.) in a 100 kg/hour pilot plant.
Within HTU® Industries, Robert actively supports the technical design of the HTU® installation, the business case development and permit applications. His in-depth knowledge of gasification technology and HTU® ensures solid technical foundations and effective project management.
Leads sustainable innovation & business scaling to impactful growth.
Marco van Dam is an experienced entrepreneur and strategic advisor with a proven track record in setting up, scaling up and guiding organizations within the technology, ICT and sustainable industries.
Driven by a pragmatic approach and a sharp financial eye, Marco knows how to translate complex processes into achievable steps, with a strong focus on results, innovation and collaboration.
His strength lies in connecting technology, entrepreneurship and financing to successfully bring innovations to the market.
In the context of the further development and commercial rollout of HTU® Industries BV, Marco has been asked to use his expertise in the field of strategy, financing and organizational development. With his experience in business scaling, sustainable technology and market introduction, he plays a key role in realizing the ambitions of HTU® Industries: scaling up HTU technology for applications in biocrude, green asphalt, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and shipping fuels.
Builds a strong culture for collaboration and sustainable innovation.
Martine Naber is a strategic leader with a proven track record in realizing complex transformation initiatives and organizational development. Within HTU Industries, she focuses on building a strong People & Culture foundation that stimulates collaboration, growth and innovation from the start.
Martine is responsible for organizational development and human resources policy within a fast-growing SaaS company. She helps with the structure and culture necessary for customer-focused and technical teams to function well.
Within HTU‑Industries, Martine has a key role in shaping the culture and team within HTU‑Industries. She combines expertise in change management, talent development and strategic development with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation.
Brings sustainable technology to life with clear communication and strong connections.
Desirée Perin brings her experience in account management and stakeholder relations to HTU® Industries. With a broad background in maintaining customer contacts and coordinating projects, she knows how important clear communication is for successful collaboration.
In addition to her expertise in customer relations and collaboration, Desirée actively contributes to strengthening local entrepreneurial networks.
Within HTU® Industries, she translates complex technical innovations, such as hydrothermal upgrading of biomass, into accessible and impactful communication, relevant to various target groups.
Through targeted communication that highlights the HTU® technology and its benefits, she strengthens the position of HTU® Industries as a pioneer in sustainable technology.
His vision lives on
At Shell Research, Frans Goudriaan worked for many years on various chemical and catalytic processes. For eight years, he led the research into the HTU® process (Hydrothermal Upgrading), focused on the efficient conversion of biomass into high-quality biofuels.
In 1996, he co-founded Biofuel B.V. with Jaap Naber. There, he played a central role in scaling up the HTU® process with a pilot plant that processed 100 kg of biomass per hour, with the aim of producing sustainable biocrude.
Frans is co-inventor of the patent ‘Process for the production of liquid fuels from biomass (US7,262,331)’, which describes a continuous process for converting wet biomass into liquid biofuel products at high pressure and temperature. His work laid a solid foundation for thermochemical biomass conversion: with his innovative approach, Frans contributed to techniques that can process wet biomass without energy-intensive drying processes, with yields of >98%. HTU® Industries is particularly grateful to Frans for his dedication and pioneering spirit.
His legacy flows into all current efforts in the field of HTU® technology, from green asphalt to biofuels for aviation and shipping. His energy, vision and technical expertise remain guiding principles for the further development of circular energy solutions within HTU® Industries.
