Turning Waste into Wealth: The Promise of Hydrothermal Liquefaction

Introduction: The Growing Challenge of Waste Management

Florida’s rapid population growth has created significant challenges in managing wastewater and biosolids.

Urban areas like Miami produce vast amounts of biosolids daily, with limited options for disposal.

Traditional practices, such as spreading biosolids on farmland or disposing of them in landfills, are no longer sustainable due to land constraints, environmental concerns, and the presence of harmful contaminants.

The need for innovative waste management solutions has never been greater.

The Technology: Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL)

Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) offers a groundbreaking approach to transforming waste into a valuable resource.

HTL mimics the natural process that creates crude oil but compresses millions of years into mere minutes.

Using high heat and pressure, HTL converts wet biomass—such as biosolids—into bio-crude oil, which can be refined into fuel.

Unlike traditional methods that treat biosolids as waste, HTL views them as a renewable resource, capable of addressing waste management challenges while contributing to a sustainable energy future.

Case Study: AECOM’s Work in Miami

AECOM has been at the forefront of integrating HTL into waste management strategies.

In partnership with Miami-Dade County, AECOM is working to secure a Department of Energy (DOE) grant to construct the nation’s first full-scale HTL facility.

This initiative aims to showcase how biosolids from Miami’s three wastewater treatment plants—processing over 300 million gallons daily—can be converted into sustainable bio-crude.

By doing so, Miami can address its pressing waste management challenges while setting an example for urban centers worldwide.

Conclusion: Transforming Waste Management Globally

Hydrothermal Liquefaction has the potential to revolutionize how we view and manage waste.

By turning biosolids into a resource rather than a liability, HTL provides a path toward environmental sustainability and energy independence.

AECOM’s leadership in advancing HTL technology demonstrates a commitment to innovative solutions that benefit both local communities and the global environment.

As more cities embrace this technology, we can turn waste into wealth and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.