A German research institute has developed a process for hydrothermal carbonisation of biomass, i.e. a CO2-neutral process to convert biomass into black coal, brown coal or humus within 12 hours or less. The products can be used for energy purposes or to upgrade the quality of soils (Terra preta). Partners from agriculture, energy industry, manufacturing systems engineering, fuel cell industry are sought to modify the process to a higher throughput and up to a continuous process.