Hydrothermal carbonization also known as wet pyrolysis has a number of advantages.  One important advantage is that the biomass does not have to be dried before it can be processed, as this process takes place in water.  This is important because most fresh biomass is composed of approximately 50% water by weight.  Because it doesn’t have to be dried, biomass cut from the field can be directly fed into the plant.

The carbon efficiency (carbon in verses biocarbon out) of hydrothermal carbonization is significantly higher than dry pyrolysis.

Dry pyrolysis typically utilizes woody biomass.  Hydrothermal carbonization can use all types of biomass from wood to grasses.

Unlike dry pyrolysis hydrothermal carbonization emits very little gaseous products.  Dry pyrolysis emits substantial amounts of smoke and gaseous vapors.  For this reason hydrothermal carbonization is better suited for urban areas and places where air pollution is regulated.

The reaction rate of hydrothermal carbonization is very high.  In comparison to other technologies it has a small footprint.  This allows the technology to be more easily made into a mobile unit.