News
New low-carbon fertiliser producer FertigHy launched by investor consortium
With more than 11 million tonnes of nitrogen fertiliser used by European farms each year (on nutrient basis), the manufacturer aims to use green hydrogen as a method of decarbonising agricultural fertiliser.
Construction of the first FertigHy plant in Spain should begin in 2025, a facility that aims produce one million metric tonnes of fertiliser per annum while using 100% renewable energy.
The consortium of founding investors includes EIT InnoEnergy, RIC Energy, MAIRE, Siemens Financial Services, InVivo and HEINEKEN, who hope to expand the reach of FertigHy throughout Europe with the development of further plants in the coming years.
The producer has set the goal of each manufacturing plant reducing up to two million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
FertigHy CEO José Antonio de las Heras has a background with green hydrogen, renewable energy and natural gas, and believes “there has never been greater urgency” to decarbonise the production of fertiliser.
“With a plethora of factors at play in Europe in 2023 the time to establish a greener and self-sufficient industry for all is now,” he added.
“FertigHy will rebuild resilience against disrupted supply chains, while promoting sovereignty for the agriculture industry and security of supply by accelerating the decarbonisation of the food value chain.”
EIT InnoEnergy estimates the agriculture sector is estimated to attribute 13% of EU greenhouse gas emissions, with a European Commission report identifying the decarbonisation of the fertiliser sector as a crucial part of plans to reduce emissions.
The news comes amid concerns around global food security and rises in gas prices, something that has impacted farmers across Europe who rely on fertilisers to maintain production levels.
In related news, Morrisons has partnered with soil management data firm Downforce Technologies as part of the UK food retailer’s bid to become Net Zero by 2030.
