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Techno-economic and life cycle assessment of liquid biofuels obtained from municipal sewage sludge by hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL)

Author

Listed:
  • Kapusta, Krzysztof
  • Śliwińska, Anna
  • Krawczyk, Piotr
  • Wodołażski, Artur
  • Strzoda, Ewelina
  • Xu, Donghai
  • Duan, Peigao
  • Hao, Botian
  • Wang, Yuanyuan
  • Leng, Lijian
  • Yang, Le
  • Fan, Liangliang

Abstract

This study presents the techno-economic and environmental assessment of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) as a promising technology for energy recovery and waste minimization. Experimental data from continuous-mode HTL and upgrading processes were used to simulate a commercial-scale installation. The main product, biocrude oil, was considered as feedstock for the production of low-carbon transportation fuels. Techno-economic evaluation using Dynamic Generation Cost (DGC), Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) indicated potential economic viability of the proposed concept. The calculated DGC was USD 0.90/L, NPV was USD 2.93 million, and IRR reached 5.2 %. Life cycle assessment (LCA) based on SimaPro software and ecoinvent v.3 database, applying the IPCC 2021 and ReCiPe 2016 methods, showed that the carbon footprint of the upgraded biofuel was 19 g CO2e/MJ, resulting in 80 % GHG savings compared to fossil fuels. The results demonstrate that continuous HTL of MSS followed by hydrotreatment is a feasible waste-to-fuel pathway contributing to circular economy and climate change mitigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Kapusta, Krzysztof & Śliwińska, Anna & Krawczyk, Piotr & Wodołażski, Artur & Strzoda, Ewelina & Xu, Donghai & Duan, Peigao & Hao, Botian & Wang, Yuanyuan & Leng, Lijian & Yang, Le & Fan, Liangliang, 2026. "Techno-economic and life cycle assessment of liquid biofuels obtained from municipal sewage sludge by hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:342:y:2026:i:c:s0360544225051850
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139543
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