Pioneering sustainable fertiliser transition

Stamicarbon is developing new technologies to address global food demand by enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing environmental impact, focusing on fossil-free feedstock alternatives in the nitrogen fertiliser industry, Deepak Shetty tells OGN

THE production of nitrogen fertilisers with a lower carbon footprint is high on the agenda due to the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the industry's aim to decrease dependence on fossil fuels.

Green ammonia, produced using renewable energy sources, is currently seen as one of the most promising pathways to provide a sustainable energy carrier or fuel for a wide range of industries.

"When integrated with cutting-edge fertiliser technology, it presents a viable solution to address the increasing food supply demand while safeguarding the planet for future generations.," Deepak Shetty, Nikolay Ketov, Stamicarbon (MAIRE), The Netherlands, tells OGN energy magazine.

In regions abundant in renewable energy resources and equipped with a robust fertiliser infrastructure, investing in a green fertiliser complex can be more than just a step toward sustainability.

It can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, supporting the development of new skills and expertise critical for the emerging green economy.

This approach not only addresses immediate environmental and economic challenges but also lays the groundwork for a resilient, future-proof industrial landscape.

A STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITY FOR THE GULF REGION

Currently, global ammonia production depends on fossil fuels, leading to substantial greenhouse gas emissions.

Nonetheless, there is a viable way to direct the industry towards sustainability. The most promising path, as seen by the industry leaders and regulators in most of the world, involves green hydrogen and, down the line, green ammonia.

Both can be produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, or hydroelectric power.

This process involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in a carbon-free feedstock.