Today, half of the world’s food production depends on fertilizers. Fertilizers are therefore essential to ensure food security for all and strategic autonomy for Europe. However, the production of nitrogen-based fertilizers today is predominantly based on natural gas. The European industry is already investing in low-carbon and renewable production processes that will decarbonise fertilizer and food production and will contribute to the transition to climate neutrality in the EU.

While significant progress has been made to reduce the carbon intensity of fertilizer production, more needs to be done. Recognizing this, the European fertilizer industry commissioned Guidehouse consultancy to develop a Decarbonization Roadmap, exploring two main pathways for the sector in Europe. While the production of renewable and low-carbon fertilizers is achievable and promising, cost, scale, and regulatory challenges stand in the way of faster change.