“Fertiliser Sector: Decarbonisation Strategy”
- The event brought together academic experts, students and institutions from all over the country, with representation from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture standing out.
- Several case studies have served to explore the best practices of the fertiliser sector in the mitigation of CO2 emissions.
- In its 15th edition, this meeting has consolidated itself as an essential space for collaboration, debate and innovation to promote a more sustainable agriculture.
Madrid, 25 March 2024 – Experts from the agricultural industry, representatives from the public sector, academics and agronomy students met at the 15th Conference of the Fertiberia Chair of Agri-environmental Studies, held at the Technical School of Agricultural, Food and Biosystems Engineering (ETSIAAB) of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, to address one of the most critical challenges of our time: the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the efforts made by the fertiliser sector.
The opening session was attended by Ana Rodríguez, Director General of Agricultural Productions and Markets of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; José Manuel Palacios, Director of the ETSIAAB; and Javier Goñi, CEO of Fertiberia, who, among other issues, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve common environmental objectives.
In line with the agreement to minimise global warming to 1.5ºC, reached at the recent COP28 in Dubai, the European fertiliser industry has undertaken to reduce its GHG emissions by 70% by 2040, compared to 2020, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Some of the measures on which the fertiliser sector is already working as a priority are the promotion of renewable energies to replace fossil fuels, the development of clean technologies and the reduction of gases other than CO2, such as methane, by 2030.
Issues such as these have been the subject of analysis during the Fertiberia Chair conference, through specific case studies.
- Among others, the project for the production of green hydrogen and ammonia for the production of low-carbon fertilisers, led by Fertiberia, the PEP+ strategy of Pepsico, focused on creating growth and value through positive actions for the planet, or the pioneering NSAFE technology developed by Fertiberia: the first bio-inhibitor that reduces nitrogen losses, protecting soil biodiversity.
The event was also attended by José Ramón Conde, professor in the Department of Agricultural Production at ETSIAAB; Christian Cerezo, Agro Lead SWE of PEPSICO, and Javier González, Director of Agronomic Innovation at Fertiberia Group.
The day ended with a message of optimism and determination, reflecting the consensus on the urgency of adopting effective measures to limit global warming. This annual meeting, now in its 15th edition, has established itself as an essential space for collaboration, debate and innovation to promote a more sustainable agricultural future.
More information:
- Program available at the following link*.
- Fertiberia Chair of Agri-environmental Studies Awards.
* PDF in Spanish.
