The reserve of lignite is abundant in China. However

the high moisture content and low calorific value in lignite are the major obstacles to its conversion and utilization. Hydrothermal dewatering(HTD) has attracted intense research attention

owing to its comprehensive modifications

including dehydration

deoxygenation

carbonization

and surface modification. Continuous efforts to investigate HTD are generally directed toward the research of one single topic. However

the mechanism study of HTD on thermal conversion and utilization processes

and the prospect analysis of HTD industrialization are completely lacking. The development history of HTD is briefly introduced. The effects of HTD on the slurryability

liquefaction

gasification

pyrolysis and combustion are investigated in detail. Moreover

several suggestions are proposed based on the current problems in industrialization of HTD technology. It is suggested that the lignite HTD should combine with coal-water slurry gasification

pyrolysis-based integrated multiproduct process and coal briquetting

to achieve large-scale utilization of lignite in the future.