FarmN’s Methodology for Nitrogen Fertiliser Production

FarmN are developing a technology-neutral methodology that enables the production of low-emission nitrogen fertilisers while generating high-value carbon credits. This approach is currently under peer review with the Gold Standard™ Carbon Registry, and we anticipate its publication soon.

As global agriculture strives to meet the twin challenges of increased demand while reducing its carbon footprint, the production of nitrogen fertilisers stands at a critical juncture. Conventional nitrogen fertilisers, particularly ammonia-based fertilisers, contribute approximately 2% of global CO₂ emissions, primarily due to fossil fuel-intensive production methods.

At FarmN, we are pioneering a technology-neutral methodology that incentivises the production of lower emission nitrogen fertilisers while generating high-value carbon credits. This approach is currently under peer review with the Gold Standard™ Carbon Registry (https://globalgoals.goldstandard.org/in-development/), and we anticipate its publication soon.

The Challenge: Carbon-Intensive Nitrogen Fertilisers

Traditional nitrogen fertilisers rely on Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) and the Haber-Bosch process, both of which consume large amounts of fossil fuels and generate significant greenhouse gas emissions. To transition to a more sustainable model; efficiency improvements for traditional processes and the introduction of alternative production methods must be incentivised.

FarmN’s Solution: A Decentralised, Technology-Neutral Approach

Our methodology is designed to support innovation and scalability by allowing multiple low-emission technologies to be used in nitrogen fertiliser production. This enables manufacturers to earn carbon credits while adopting cleaner production processes.

Key Features of the FarmN Methodology:
  • Encourages all clean technologies, including:
       
    • Technologies that reduce emissions in traditional nitrogen fertiliser plants such as switching SMR for methane pyrolysis or the adoption of low-pressure Haber Bosch.
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    • Green hydrogen via electrolysis, biomass gasification and biocatalysts
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    • Direct nitrate production through non-thermal plasma and biocatalysts
  • Eliminates reliance on fossil fuels for both energy and hydrogen feedstock
  • Supports both centralized and decentralized production models, increasing accessibility to cleaner fertilizers
  • Strict verification requirements to ensure transparency and additionality in emission reductions
High-Value Carbon Credits

The carbon credits generated under FarmN’s methodology are of high integrity and based on a principal of "Measure over Model", aligning with Gold Standard™ principles. This ensures that only genuine emissions reductions are verified, making them highly attractive to buyers in the voluntary carbon market.

What’s Next?

Our methodology is currently being peer-reviewed by the Gold Standard™ Carbon Registry, a leading body for carbon credit verification. We are excited about the potential impact and look forward to its official publication soon.

Stay tuned for updates as we move closer to bringing a certified, high-value carbon credit methodology to market, helping agriculture transition toward a more sustainable and low-emission future.

For inquiries, or to start establishing additionality for your project now, reach out to FarmN.

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