Fertilizer producers to aid hydrogen economy
(Posted on 16/07/20)
The European fertilizer industry has welcomed the EU Hydrogen Strategy and particularly the recognition of
ammonia as a fuel of the future and emphasizes the potential of ammonia as energy storage technology.
By creating a sustainable and competitive environment for strategic technologies such as low-carbon hydrogen
and green ammonia, Europe will prepare a fertile ground for a strong and innovative production base and
supply of low-carbon mineral fertilizers in the EU.
Fertilizers Europe represents the majority of fertilizer producers in Europe and is recognised as the
dedicated industry source of information on mineral fertilizers.
Commenting on the publication of the EU’s Hydrogen Strategy, Fertilizers Europe Director General
Jacob Hansen said: “We welcome the EU Hydrogen strategy as it lays foundation for policies that are
expected to create a sustainable and competitive business environment for strategic technologies
such as low-carbon hydrogen and green ammonia”. He added “under the right conditions, future
fertilizer production could be based on low-carbon sources of energy, while green ammonia could be
used beyond fertilizers, for example as a maritime shipping fuel and to transport and store low
carbon energy”.
Hydrogen is the main feedstock to produce ammonia and nitrogen fertilizers. Looking long-term,
switching to clean hydrogen would be the optimal way to reduce the carbon footprint of the
fertilizer production. However, several barriers remain. “Abundant and competitively priced
electricity to produce hydrogen is a pre-condition for green ammonia to become competitive and
challenge current fertilizer production technology” Jacob Hansen stated.
The right policy framework will be key to move from words to action. Hansen underlined that
“balancing EU’s climate ambitions with industrial competitiveness will be key to a successful
implementation of this strategy. Provided that schemes considered by the Commission such as the
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism are in place to help maintain a level playing field between EU
producers who are subject to carbon costs and non-EU producers who are not, European fertilizer
producers should gain the confidence and the economic room to invest in new technologies”.
Fertilizer producers are among the biggest producers and users of hydrogen in Europe and therefore
the sector is best placed to partner with policymakers to work together towards scaling up the
technology in the most cost-effective way. Jacob Hansen said “As one of the key producers and users
of hydrogen, our sector is best placed to help upscale new technology in the most cost-effective way.
We count on cooperation with the EU, Member States and regional authorities as they will play an
important role in supporting industries in rolling out new technologies, for example by providing
financial incentives, creating markets for low-carbon products, and partaking in development of
regional hydrogen resources.”.
Latest News
$8.4bn tax contribution by Rio Tinto
(Posted on 11/04/21)Rio Tinto has released its 2020 Taxes paid. The company’s economic contribution report, which... Read more
En+ director joins Aluminium Stewardship Initiative board
(Posted on 06/04/21)En+ Group, the world’s leading producer of low-carbon aluminium and independent hydropower, has... Read more
Project to monitor global fertilizer usage
(Posted on 01/04/21)The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) and agri benchmark Cash Crop have announced the start... Read more
Rusal invests over $1bn on environment in a decade
(Posted on 01/04/21)Rusal, a leading global aluminium producer, invested over USD1bn in environmental projects between 2011... Read more
World crude steel production rises
(Posted on 28/03/21)World crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel... Read more
Rio Tinto selects solar technology for Boron mine
(Posted on 28/03/21)International mining and metals company Rio Tinto and renewable energy technology company Heliogen has... Read more
NGFA outlines priorities for transportation bill
(Posted on 22/03/21)The USA’s National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has urged lawmakers to prioritise improvements... Read more
British Steel to invest £100m this year
(Posted on 17/03/21)British Steel has announced that it is investing £100m this year to support the next stage of... Read more
Rusal announces 2020 results
(Posted on 17/03/21)Rusal, a leading global aluminium producer, has announced its results for the year ended 31 December... Read more
Power supply launch prepares smelter for commissioning
(Posted on 11/03/21)En+ Group, the world’s largest producer of low carbon aluminium and independent hydropower, has... Read more
