Utilizing Waste Streams for Sustainable Calcium Nitrate Fertilizer Production
Application of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture contributes substantially to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Global GHG emissions from the supply chain of inorganic N fertilizers are estimated at 1129.1 Mt CO2e in 2018 (FAO, 2018). This accounts for fluxes associated with manufacturing, transport, and application in agriculture.
NitroCapt’s technology addresses the need to transition the production of nitrogen fertilizer to a more sustainable one. Nitric acid is synthesized by NitroCapt’s patented and decarbonized process, SUNIFIX®, that efficiently captures nitrogen from the air, avoiding all carbon emissions associated with the production route. The climate-neutral nitric acid produced by NitroCapt’s technology is then used to formulate nitrate-based fertilizers.
To neutralize the nitric acid, NitroCapt is investigating the use of low-emission alkali sources, including materials from waste streams from various industries. Waste streams recycling not only would significantly reduce the carbon footprint but would also promote a circular economy.
To conduct this research, NitroCapt has received funding from the EIP Agri via the Swedish Board of Agriculture. This initiative aims to address the environmental challenges posed by traditional fertilizer production processes by adopting innovative technologies and sustainable sourcing methods.