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First economically-viable process for phosphate recovery

Project description

A sustainable solution to Europe’s phosphorus challenge

The EU faces a critical challenge with 90 % of its phosphorus supply relying on imported rock phosphate, prompting concerns about sustainability and security. Additionally, a staggering 90 % of used phosphorus is permanently lost. In this context, the EIC-funded SusPhos project offers a game-changing solution. By converting phosphorus-rich waste streams, such as sewage sludge ashes and struvite, into valuable phosphoric acid, SusPhos serves the fertiliser, flame retardant, wastewater treatment and construction industries. This initiative will establish Europe’s self-sufficient phosphorus supply, enabling the flame retardant and fertiliser sectors to embrace safer alternatives while reducing CO2 emissions. By 2026, SusPhos is projected to displace 20 % of conventionally produced phosphates, significantly contributing to a sustainable future.

Objective

The EU has listed phosphorus (P) and phosphate rock as a critical raw material due to supply uncertainties related to 90% imported rock phosphate imports. 90% of used P is irreversibly lost. Our solution converts P rich waste streams, e.g. sewage sludge ashes (SSA) and struvite, into phosphoric acid used in the fertilizer and flame retardant industries and chemicals for wastewater treatment and the construction industry. SusPhos will create Europe's independent supply of P. Flame retardants (FR) and fertilizer industries will readily consume these high-value products. Halogenated FRs are toxic and the manufacturers are switching from halogen-based ingredients to phosphates derived from rock phosphate. There are no methods that can upcycle P-rich SSA for direct use by FR and fertilizer manufacturers that use 3.4M t of phosphates worth €1.84B. By 2026, SusPhos will earn €43.9M p.a. with the potential to displace 20% of conventionally produced phosphates and eliminate 3.9M tonnes of CO2.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF - HORIZON EIC Accelerator Blended Finance

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2022-ACCELERATOR-01

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Coordinator

NEPTUNA VENTURES BV
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 2 499 999,00
Address
HERENGRACHT 111
1506 DR ZAANDAM
Netherlands

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
West-Nederland Noord-Holland Zaanstreek
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 4 823 750,00
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