Abstract: The invention herein describe a novel process for producing a novel synthetic coal product from fermentation residues, such as, the waste materials from fermentation based ethanol production. The fermentation residue is subject to a hydrothermal carbonization process in an aqueous solution at a temperature and at a pressure sufficient to form a synthetic coal solid and a liquid component. This process does not require drying of the fermentation residue which provides for a more energy efficient method of processing thereof. The synthetic coal solid has a high heat content combustive material. The liquid component has nutrient value so that it can be recycled thereby permitting the sustainable recycling of such nutrients and the water in which those nutrients are dissolved.

Abstract: Synthetic coal, methods of producing synthetic coal, produced from fermentation residue, such as the residue from ethanol production, by subjecting the fermentation residue to hydrothermal carbonization in an aqueous solution at a temperature and a pressure sufficient to form a synthetic coal solid and a liquid component. The solid synthetic coal component has a low ash content and may be used as a carbon source for energy production, such as for combustive thermal energy generation, or for gassification for the production of synthesis gas.