Abstract: A system and method of controlling energy that is input to a material substance, for the controlled removal of moisture from the material substance, is disclosed. A controlled air flow is blown onto the material substance at a specified air flow rate over at least one specified time period such that the material substance absorbs thermal energy from the controlled air flow via at least one outer surface of the material substance. The controlled air flow is of a specified humidity level at a specified temperature level. The material substance is also irradiated with microwave energy at a first specified power level for at least a first specified time duration such that the material substance absorbs at least a part of the microwave energy and converts the absorbed microwave energy to thermal energy within the material substance. As a result, moisture is removed from the material substance in a controlled manner.