Fertiberia, Lantmännen and Nordion Energi develop Sweden's first fossil-free mineral fertiliser factory
Fertiberia, Lantmännen and Nordion Energi announce a partnership to establish Sweden's first fossil-free mineral fertiliser production through the joint initiative Power2Earth. Through its hydrogen-based production process based on fossil-free energy, Power2Earth has the potential to reduce the climate impact of food production significantly. The start of production is planned for the end of 2028 and the total investment is estimated to be around EUR 2 billion, with the partners in the final investment phase planning to take different shares.
Power2Earth builds on a technology developed by Fertiberia, a producer of fossil-free mineral fertiliser. The collaboration is based on a shared vision of sustainable and robust agricultural and food production and combines each partner's strengths, expertise and experience. Using an electrolysis technology based on fossil-free energy, Power2Earth aims for the lowest possible emissions in the production process.
The project was initiated in 2021; since then, a number of feasibility studies have been completed in combination with securing land for the factory establishment in Luleå. Preparations are underway for an environmental licence application, which is scheduled to be submitted in the second quarter of 2024.
Javier Goñi, Fertiberia's CEO says: "Fertiberia brings over five decades of experience in the manufacture, operation and logistics of mineral fertilisers and ammonia. We are leading the way in decarbonising agriculture through the transition to the production of fossil-free mineral fertiliser using hydrogen. We are also proud to participate in the work towards Sweden's ambitious goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions while contributing to regional growth and building a more robust food supply with reduced import dependence."
Through Power2Earth's production of fossil-free mineral fertiliser in Luleå, emissions can be reduced by about 1.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, corresponding to about 25% of the emissions from Swedish agriculture. The innovative technology, based on fossil-free hydrogen, positions Power2Earth as a key player in the green transition of food production.
With a production capacity of one million tonnes of mineral fertiliser annually, Power2Earth also has great potential to increase the robustness of Swedish food production, in line with Sweden's national food strategy and ambitions for enhanced preparedness. This is by reducing dependence on imports and improving the conditions for domestic food production, and increasing Swedish self-sufficiency.
Per Arfvidsson, Vice President and CTO at Lantmännen says: "Power2Earth is revolutionary for the Swedish agricultural and food industry as fossil-free mineral fertiliser is crucial to create a sustainable, efficient and future-proof food value chain. A domestic production of mineral fertiliser reduces Sweden's complete dependence on fertiliser imports and is essential for developing a robust food security. We are happy to now take the next step and establish Power2Earth together with Fertiberia and Nordion Energi."
Power2Earth will also be a positive addition to Norrbotten's industrial landscape. By introducing production of fossil-free mineral fertiliser and access to renewable hydrogen in the region, Norrbotten is positioned as a centre for the continued expansion of hydrogen. The establishment also strengthens regional growth and diversifies the region's industry.
Hans Kreisel, CEO of Nordion Energi says: "Power2Earth is the first step on the Nordic Hydrogen Route, a 1000-kilometre underground hydrogen pipeline connecting Sweden and Finland. Hydrogen is central to the long-term diversification of Norrbotten's industrial sector, and through the Power2Earth project we are illustrating how the new hydrogen infrastructure is cost-effective, delivers energy security and reduces carbon emissions. We are proud to contribute to regional green transition, economic development and Swedish self-sufficiency together with Fertiberia and Lantmännen."
