CONFETI on CORDIS: Turning industrial CO₂ into sustainable fertilizers
A scalable solution tested under industrial conditions provides a model for greener chemical production, converting CO₂ into urea and/or ammonia with a lower carbon footprint
The European Commission’s CORDIS platform recently featured the CONFETI project for its pioneering work in sustainable fertilizer production. This recognition highlights CONFETI’s role in addressing climate change and improving resource efficiency through innovations based on the principles of the circular economy.
In this article, CORDIS outlines how the CONFETI Consortium has developed a pilot-scale technology that can convert industrial CO₂ emissions, particularly from steel and cement production, into synthetic gas (syngas). This syngas is then used to produce ammonia and urea, the main ingredients in nitrogen fertilizers. These fertilizers are traditionally created using energy-intensive and polluting processes.
The new system avoids the use of fossil-based hydrogen, which significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions. The process also integrates renewable energy sources and applies digital optimization tools, marking a significant step forward in decarbonizing one of the most environmentally burdensome industries.
From Pilot to Impact: A Scalable Route to Climate Neutrality
CONFETI's solution isn't just a lab experiment; it's been demonstrated under industrial conditions, proving its real-world viability and potential for scaling up across Europe. This innovation supports the EU Green Deal’s key objectives, including climate neutrality, industrial decarbonization, and strategic autonomy in fertilizer supply.
By transforming CO₂ from waste into a valuable agricultural resource, the project presents a sustainable production model with global relevance that can be replicated.
The full article, published by the Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS), offers a deeper look into CONFETI’s technology, objectives, and long-term vision.
