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FertigHy: An Innovative Low-Carbon Fertilizer Project in Somme
In the Somme region of France, a groundbreaking project is set to transform the production of nitrogen-based fertilizers. FertigHy, an innovative company, is planning to build its first low-carbon fertilizer plant in the town of Languevoisin-Quiquery. This cutting-edge facility will use renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in its industrial process, drastically reducing the carbon footprint of nitrogen fertilizer production, a sector traditionally reliant on fossil fuels.
A €1.3 Billion Investment for Decarbonization
This ambitious project represents an investment of €1.3 billion, making it the first European initiative focused solely on the production of fertilizers using renewable, low-carbon hydrogen. FertigHy aims to produce 500,000 tons of nitrogen fertilizers annually by 2030, covering about 15% of France’s current consumption. The replacement of “grey” hydrogen, derived from natural gas, with “green” hydrogen will drastically reduce the carbon footprint of nitrogen fertilizers by 80 to 95%, compared to conventional production methods.
Securing Fertilizer Supply in Europe
Beyond environmental benefits, this project addresses strategic issues of food sovereignty. Europe is highly dependent on non-European imports for its nitrogen fertilizer supply. By relocating production to France, FertigHy intends to secure farmers’ access to this essential input for crop yields.
Axel de Bienassis, FertigHy’s development director, stated: “The substitution of grey hydrogen with renewable, low-carbon hydrogen in the industrial process will enable the decarbonization of nitrogen fertilizer production.”
An Agri-Logistics Hub for the Plant
The plant will be located on an agri-logistics hub in Languevoisin-Quiquery, a strategic site that will be connected to the electrical grid via a 12 km underground 225,000-volt line provided by RTE. This infrastructure will power the energy-intensive electrolysis process needed to produce hydrogen from water.
Construction is expected to take three years, with the plant starting commercial operations by 2030. The project still needs to pass several regulatory steps before it can move forward.
Public Consultation to Gather Opinions
Given the scale of this project, a public consultation will be held from December 2, 2024, to January 31, 2025, organized by the National Commission for Public Debate. The aim is to inform the public about the project and gather feedback on its feasibility and potential impact. FertigHy will provide comprehensive documentation, host public discussions, and launch an interactive website to engage stakeholders in the decision-making process.
FertigHy: Pioneering Low-Carbon Fertilizers
Founded in June 2023 by a consortium of companies including EIT InnoEnergy, RIC Energy, Siemens Financial Services, InVivo, and Heineken, FertigHy’s mission is to lead the transition to a low-carbon, renewable fertilizer industry in Europe. The Languevoisin-Quiquery project is just the first step in a larger strategy, with another similar project already in development in Spain, requiring an investment of €1.7 billion.
If successful, these projects could establish FertigHy as a key player in decarbonizing the agricultural sector in Europe, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while offering sustainable solutions for the future.
