FertigHy: Pioneer in Decarbonated Fertilizers in Europe

The FertigHy consortium announces the construction of a plant in France to manufacture low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer, aimed at reducing European dependence on Russian imports and agricultural CO2 emissions.

Share:

FertigHy Europe engrais bas carbone

FertigHy, a consortium of major players inEurope’s energy andindustrial sectors, has unveiled plans for its first low-carbon fertilizer plant in the Hauts-de-France region. The project, estimated to cost 1.3 billion euros, aims to produce 500,000 tonnes of decarbonated nitrogen fertilizer a year, covering 15% of French consumption. The location in Languevoisin is strategic, not only in terms of logistics, but also in terms of the potential for regional economic revitalization, with the planned creation of around 250 direct jobs.

Innovation and Green Technologies at the Heart of the Project

At the heart of FertigHy’s innovation lies the use of water electrolysis, a technique that produces hydrogen without CO2 emissions. This process replaces the natural gas traditionally used to synthesize ammonia for nitrogen fertilizers. The hydrogen produced is then combined with nitrogen from the air to form decarbonated ammonitrate, used in field crops. This approach could revolutionize fertilizer production in Europe, significantly reducing the agricultural sector’s carbon footprint.

Economic challenges and market competitiveness

The transition to decarbonized fertilizers represents a major economic challenge. Despite a higher initial cost compared with traditional fertilizers, FertigHy expects to remain competitive thanks to future regulations on imports of non-decarbonated fertilizers. From 2034, importers will have to pay green taxes under new European regulations, which will increase the cost of traditional fertilizers and make decarbonized alternatives more attractive.

Ecological and Strategic Impact for Europe

FertigHy’s initiative is part of a broader drive for energy sovereignty and independence from external suppliers, particularly Russian, in the current geopolitical context. By reducing dependence on Russian fertilizer imports, which account for a significant share of the European market, the project contributes to Europe’s food and energy security. What’s more, by aligning fertilizer production with the objectives of the European Green Deal, FertigHy is not only positioning itself as an industrial player, but also as a leader in the continent’s ecological transition.
The FertigHy project illustrates a remarkable convergence of technological innovation, business strategy and environmental commitment. By launching this low-carbon fertilizer plant, the consortium is not only meeting impending regulatory requirements; it is also redefining industrial production standards towards a more sustainable and responsible model.

Hynamics UK and Hy24 have signed an exclusive agreement to develop the Fawley Green Hydrogen project, backed by the UK HAR2 scheme, to supply green hydrogen to ExxonMobil's petrochemical complex.
China has approved the construction of a strategic pipeline to transport green hydrogen from Inner Mongolia to Beijing, facilitating supply to industrial zones around the capital and boosting a rapidly expanding energy economy.
The European Commission introduces a greenhouse gas emissions methodology for low-carbon hydrogen, establishing a long-awaited regulatory framework for the sector and paving the way for new industrial investments.
French company Lhyfe has carried out its first successful green hydrogen combustion tests in Spain, delivering three tonnes over three weeks to the Valencian ceramic industry, opening a new potential alternative to industrial fossil natural gas.
Envision announces the official commissioning of the world's largest green hydrogen and ammonia plant in China, powered by an autonomous renewable energy system and entirely AI-driven, with exports planned from late 2025.
Sumitomo Corporation announces a strategic investment in Independence Hydrogen aimed at developing new decentralized hydrogen production and distribution projects in the United States, targeting industrial, logistics and critical infrastructure sectors.
80 Mile announces that it has increased its stake in Hydrogen Valley to 49% and signed a memorandum of understanding with Tecnoparco for the supply of 40,000 tonnes of biofuel per year, aiming to reduce palm oil dependency.
The Hive Coega project, South Africa’s most ambitious green ammonia initiative, enters its operational phase with the release of tenders for essential infrastructure, marking a major step forward for the country in renewable energy production.
The Belfort commercial court has approved the sale of McPhy to John Cockerill Hydrogen, a €600,000 transaction involving majority retention of staff and an industrial project partially funded by European subsidies.
The City of Fresno becomes the latest member of First Public Hydrogen, the first US public authority dedicated to hydrogen development, thus strengthening its energy infrastructure and municipal bus fleet.
The official confirmation in June 2025 by the French government regarding the detection of significant natural hydrogen reserves in Lorraine, the Pyrenees, and Aquitaine could represent a major strategic turning point for national and European energy sovereignty. However, the technical, economic, and environmental challenges associated with its exploitation might slow its large-scale implementation.
Stanwell announces the end of its participation in the Central Queensland Hydrogen Project, a major international hydrogen production initiative, raising questions about the sector's outlook in the region.
Lhyfe becomes the first French producer to obtain European RFNBO certification, delivering the first batches of certified hydrogen and opening access to new support mechanisms for the industrial sector.
Tree Energy Solutions and CPC Finland will produce 125,000 tonnes annually of e-NG at the Finnish port of Rauma, targeting European and international markets with a significant investment.
The European Commission grants €3.5mn to support preparatory work for a Franco-German cross-border network aimed at transporting hydrogen between the Grand Est region and Baden-Württemberg starting in 2029.
French company McPhy Energy awaits a court decision regarding offers submitted during its judicial reorganization, paving the way for probable liquidation and potential delisting of its shares.
The majority-Indigenous-owned Canadian manufacturer HyVera Distributed Energy is introducing an eCat pellet that instantly produces ultra-pure green hydrogen without external electricity and is counting on two pilot plants to simplify industrial supply.
Underground hydrogen storage, essential to support its growth, continues to face significantly higher costs than natural gas storage, along with major technical challenges hindering its competitiveness against conventional energies.
Singapore-based hydrogen specialist Hydrexia seals a protocol with Indonesian gas giant Samator to deploy purification, transport and storage of hydrogen, betting on rapidly growing local demand and export outlets to the Asia-Pacific region.
Cadiz Inc. signs a memorandum of understanding with British company Hoku Energy for a large-scale energy project including green hydrogen, solar power, and digital infrastructure in the Californian desert, projecting annual revenues of up to $10mn.