We are an International Experts’ Network of researchers who support the advancement and commercialization of bioenergy through biomass liquefaction.
What is biomass liquefaction?
Direct Thermochemical Liquefaction (DTL) is using heat to break down the polymers in solid biomass to form a liquid that can be used as an energy carrier or chemical feedstock. Pyrolysis and Hydrothermal liquefaction are two examples of DTL to form bio-oils and bio-crudes respectively. A more detailed explanation of DTL is available here.
What does Task 34 do?
Each three year period, or triennium, we construct a plan. The plan for the current 2025-2027 triennium is shown below.
Task 34 ‘Direct Thermochemical Liquefaction’ has as its main emphasis overcoming barriers to commercialization of DTL of biomass for liquid fuel production. The overall objective of the Task is to improve the implementation and success of direct thermochemical liquefaction of biomass for fuels and chemicals. This objective is achieved through monitoring, reviewing, and contributing to the resolution of issues that will permit more successful and more rapid implementation of pyrolysis technology, including identification of emerging opportunities to provide a substantial contribution to bioenergy. Task 34 plans to work on following items in this triennium:
- Advanced products from DTL
- (DTL) pathways to (ASTM) SAF approval and marine fuels
- Use of byproducts gas and char
- Aqueous phase/ water management in HTL
- From diverse feedstocks to a biobased, liquid commodity
- Fast Pyrolysis of non-woody, biogenic feedstock
- Mobile and small scale FP units
- Support commercialization through knowledge transfer
- Update commercial DTL facilities
- Catalytic pyrolysis development
- Technical notes to transfer knowledge/ expertise to a broader public
- Facilitate information exchange with stakeholders
- PyNe newsletter
- Workshops/ Seminars
The Direct Thermochemical Liquefaction Task is a three-year project which commenced January 2025, in parallel with the other tasks in IEA Bioenergy, as approved by the IEA Bioenergy Executive Committee (ExCo) with membership including Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the USA.