FertigHy, a consortium of investors including EIT InnoEnergy, RIC Energy, MAIRE, Siemens Financial Services, InVivo, and HEINEKEN, is taking a significant step towards decarbonizing agricultural fertilizer production in Europe.
With over 11 million tonnes of nitrogen fertilizer used annually in European farms, FertigHy plans to utilize green hydrogen as a sustainable solution.
The consortium intends to construct the first FertigHy plant in Spain, which is slated to commence operations in 2025. This facility aims to produce one million metric tonnes of fertilizer per year while relying entirely on renewable energy sources. The ultimate goal of each manufacturing plant established by FertigHy is to reduce up to two million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
FertigHy CEO José Antonio de las Heras, with his background in green hydrogen, renewable energy, and natural gas, recognizes the pressing need to decarbonize fertilizer production. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “There has never been greater urgency to decarbonize the production of fertilizer. 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.”
The agriculture sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 13% of EU emissions, according to estimates by EIT InnoEnergy. The European Commission has identified the decarbonization of the fertilizer sector as a crucial component of its emissions reduction plans.
By utilizing green hydrogen and renewable energy in the production of fertilizers, FertigHy aims to address multiple challenges. The initiative seeks to rebuild resilience against disrupted supply chains, promote sovereignty within the agriculture industry, and enhance security of supply. Furthermore, the decarbonization of the food value chain is expected to contribute to the overall sustainability goals of the European Union.
