The International Symposium on Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) is a global scientific event dedicated to the advancement of research and technological development related to hydrothermal carbonization and hydrochar-based systems.
The symposium brings together researchers, engineers, industry representatives, and policymakers working on thermochemical conversion processes, carbon materials, and sustainable waste management solutions.
By providing a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, the symposium aims to foster collaboration between academic research, industrial innovation, and environmental policy.
Symposium Topics
Main topics include:
- hydrothermal carbonization fundamentals
- hydrochar characterization and stability
- HTC reactor and process engineering
- environmental assessment and life cycle analysis
- applications of hydrochar
- industrial HTC technologies
- HTC within circular bioeconomy systems
Why Hydrothermal Carbonization?
Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an emerging thermochemical process that converts wet biomass and organic residues into hydrochar, a carbon-rich material with a wide range of potential applications.
HTC technologies are attracting increasing attention due to their ability to:
- valorize wet biomass and organic wastes
- produce carbon-rich materials
- contribute to carbon sequestration strategies
- support circular bioeconomy systems
- integrate into sustainable waste management frameworks
Hydrochar and HTC-derived products are being explored for applications in:
- soil amendment and carbon storage
- environmental remediation
- energy systems
- advanced materials
- water treatment
A Growing International Community
Over the past decade, the HTC research community has expanded rapidly, driven by increasing interest in sustainable carbon management, circular economy strategies, and biomass valorization technologies.
The International Symposium on Hydrothermal Carbonization serves as a focal point for this community, enabling the exchange of knowledge and the development of new collaborations across disciplines and sectors.
Previous Editions
The HTC Symposium is an international conference series that rotates across continents, reflecting the growing global interest in hydrothermal carbonization technologies.
Previous editions were held in:
- London, United Kingdom (2017)
- Berlin, Germany (2019)
- Seoul, South Korea (2023)
- New Orleans, United States (2025)
HTC 2027 – Cagliari, Italy
The 5th International Symposium on Hydrothermal Carbonization will take place in Cagliari, Italy, hosted by the University of Cagliari and organized by the Hydrochar Network.
The 2027 edition will bring the HTC community to the Mediterranean region, creating new opportunities for collaboration between researchers and industries working on biomass conversion, waste valorization, and carbon materials.
The symposium will feature:
- keynote lectures by leading researchers
- oral and poster presentations
- thematic scientific sessions
- opportunities for networking and collaboration
HTC 2027 aims to strengthen the international HTC community and promote the development of innovative solutions for sustainable resource management and carbon utilization.