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 |
Purpose and goal
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.
Results and expected 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.