Kyushu University and Welzo, an agriculture-related company based in Fukuoka City, have launched a collaborative research project aimed at developing CO2-free nitrogen fertilizers to promote sustainable agriculture. Utilizing the unique “Plasma Agri” technology, which leverages atmospheric nitrogen, this research could be a key strategy for addressing future fertilizer shortages and advancing sustainable agriculture.
Addressing Fertilizer Shortages and Improving Domestic Self-Sufficiency
Kyushu University and Welzo are jointly researching a new fertilizer manufacturing technology called “Plasma Agri,” which uses atmospheric nitrogen. This technology is expected to enable the production of nitrogen fertilizers without relying on fossil fuels, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
Given the anticipated global shortage of fertilizer raw materials due to population growth, Japan currently imports approximately 97.5% of its essential nitrogen fertilizers. This high level of dependence raises concerns about potential future supply issues. Additionally, the widely used Haber-Bosch process for nitrogen fertilizer production consumes large amounts of energy and emits substantial amounts of CO2, presenting environmental challenges.
こIn response to these issues, Kyushu University and Welzo aim to develop sustainable fertilizer manufacturing technologies and improve domestic self-sufficiency. The “Plasma Agri” technology, which directly utilizes atmospheric nitrogen, is expected to significantly increase domestic nitrogen supply for agriculture and contribute to enhancing food self-sufficiency.
“Plasma Agri” is a cutting-edge technology led globally by Kyushu University, which generates plasma from atmospheric air to produce nitrogen fertilizers. This innovative technology is noted for its ability to manufacture fertilizers without fossil fuels, thus reducing environmental impact.
To bring this technology to practical use, Kyushu University and Welzo aim to achieve proof of concept (PoC) within one year. This could dramatically improve domestic nitrogen supply in agriculture and potentially contribute significantly to enhancing Japan’s agricultural self-sufficiency in the long term.
At the research farm operated by Welzo in Nishiku, Fukuoka City, not only is nitrogen fertilizer development using Plasma Agri technology underway, but research on smart agriculture, such as automatic cucumber cultivation systems, is also being conducted. These efforts are expected to address challenges in Japanese agriculture, such as the decline in agricultural workers due to an aging population and stabilize food supply.
Crops harvested at this research farm are donated to the local community, and activities like harvest experiences for local children are actively conducted, contributing to regional development.
Kyushu University COI-NEXT RCPAS Secretariat Page Here
Welzo Homepage Here