Green nitrogen: Innovative fertilizer production based on renewable energy
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet - Institutionen för energi och teknik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 439 000 |
| Project duration | January 2015 - August 2015 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-Driven Innovation – Stage 1 initiation |
Important results from the project
In this project, we have investigated the possibilities for the production of mineral nitrogen fertilizer based on renewable energy. Green nitrogen is an important step towards a robust and sustainable food production, independent of fossil inputs. The project was divided into three work packages: the customer, the concept and the business. We conducted a business intelligence analysis and studied issues such as willingness to pay for green nitrogen and the potential of different technical concepts, from a practical, economic and environmental perspective.
Expected long term effects
In this project, we concluded that a pilot plant for the production of green nitrogen in Sweden would be a good first step toward a larger transition. A pilot can serve as a basis for technological development but also work as marketing. However, a pilot plant requires many millions in investment. The project has also shown that the market for green nitrogen is not fully mature - there is not yet a willingness to pay more for food produced without fossil inputs. Therefore much remains before production of green nitrogen can become a reality.
Approach and implementation
This project has been carried out by a group with expertise in research, chemical engineering and entrepreneurship. We have investigated the market potential for green nitrogen, by identifying stakeholders, their needs and willingness to pay. We conducted a business intelligence analysis, studied various technical concepts and discussed their advantages and disadvantages. The work has been carried out in small working groups with discussions in joint workshops.