Trend Fossil-free ammonia and fertilisers through electrolysis, new catalysis and biological fixation

Summary

The report observes that despite progress in organic farming, European agriculture still relies on a hard-to-replace input, ammonia. The problem lies in how it is made, through an energy-intensive process based on fossil fuels. New technologies target the two key stages of ammonia production. For hydrogen, water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity is the most promising route, while for nitrogen fixation efforts aim to modernise the Haber-Bosch process, for example by using visible light to drive the reaction between nitrogen and a molybdenum catalyst. The key is decentralised production in places with direct access to renewables where ammonia can be stored or turned into fertiliser, and biological approaches using modified bacteria and enzymes that release ammonia straight into the soil are also being developed. The report stresses that technology alone is not enough and that changes in farming practices, nutrient management and input use are also needed.