Workshop goal

The output of the workshop will be a roadmap on how to implement hydrothermal technology in agricultural production systems to improve material use and recycling of agricultural residuals (e.g. wastes, residues and surplus biomass). The roadmap provides the basis for recommendations to move this technology forward, in the areas of policy (rules and regulations), funding, markets and consumer agency, technology and knowledge, resources and infrastructure, training and education, as well as business model and value chain development. To develop the roadmap, we will first identify current knowledge gaps in hydrothermal technology, and describe the policy and economic barriers that exist in the individual countries. By pooling the diverse experiences of the workshop participants, we will propose measures to overcome these barriers and synthesize these results into a general roadmap towards implementation.

Workshop outcomes

The outcomes of the workshop are: 1) a vision for the market introduction of products from hydrothermal agricultural systems and 2) a technology roadmap for achieving the vision. The roadmap and vision will serve as a guide on how to further develop hydrothermal technology and build networks to improve the sustainable use of residuals and surplus biomass in agricultural production systems worldwide. The workshop inputs and results will be published in a special edition in a scientific journal.

The technology roadmap will provide starting points for actions especially for developing a business environment conducive to emerging HTC businesses. The roadmap will inform and influence policy makers in the development of their national and international policies related in particular to funding, legislation, markets and prices, training and education, resources and infrastructure, as well as knowledge and technology.

Who should attend

This workshop is a stand-alone workshop. Nevertheless, the workshop is planned to be held after the 3rd International Symposium on HTC (May 10-13, 2023) and build on results from the symposium. The goal is to synthesize the technical results from the 3rd HTC Symposium with further input on economic and policy issues to develop the roadmap. The workshop is divided into two parts. Participation in Part 1-Preparation of roadmap (Sessions 1-6) is limited to a core group to work out a draft roadmap. In Part 2-Synthesis and discussion of the roadmap (Session 7-8; May 16, 14:00-18:00) all those interested are welcome.

The core group in Part 1 is made up of scientists and practitioners from multiple disciplines and countries, who will address the topics of policy, regulations, market, and business models in conjunction with technical innovations. Participants that want to actively review and improve the roadmap are welcome for Part 2.

Background

Many years of research have shown that hydrothermal technology can produce value-added products from agricultural materials, such as biomass, wastes and residuals. Its beneficial potential in a number of areas has long been recognized, e.g.

1) recycling organic carbon and nutrients from residuals to agricultural land,

2) developing economic opportunities in rural areas for businesses valorizing residuals and

3) avoiding negative health and environmental impacts from wet organic residuals.

However, few commercial applications are currently in operation and numerous attempts to build a business model on the technology have failed. There are still many hurdles to overcome before hydrothermal systems are implemented on a wider scale – in terms of both process technology and policy development. Innovative technological systems must be developed to produce affordable products, in conjunction with changes made in policies and regulatory measures to require better residual management and to allow the use of these products in farming systems. This workshop addresses these complex challenges. By defining the steps still needed in research and development, as well as the changes required in regulatory measures, the workshop will help create supportive environments for emerging businesses that can contribute to added value, job creation and a cleaner, more sustainable agricultural production.

Sponsorship by the Co-operative Research Programme (CRP) of the OECD

Currently most OECD countries are facing the challenge of developing sustainable methods to utilize and manage agricultural residuals in intensive plant and livestock production systems. In addition, surpluses of low-value biomasses not used for feed, food or fiber must often be managed. The OECD co-operative research programme themes 1) Managing Natural Capital for the Future, and 3) Transformational Technologies and Innovation are addressing these challenges. The workshop supports work in these theme areas by further developing hydrothermal technology systems to improve resource efficiency as well as protect natural resources.