ERM to develop a low-carbon roadmap for potash and phosphate

UNITED KINGDOM

ERM to develop a low-carbon roadmap for potash and phosphate

Sustainability consultancy ERM has been tasked with developing a low-carbon roadmap for the global potash and phosphate fertilizer industry by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Fertilizer Association (IFA).

The roadmap, which will be developed with support from UK consultancy Systemiq, will set out the industry’s path toward net-zero emissions. It will identify policy measures and technology deployments necessary to reduce or mitigate the climate change impacts of potash and phosphate production. The aim is to help the potash and phosphate industry continue to supply fertilizers – which underpin food security for a growing global population – while managing local environmental impacts and global emissions.

ERM will analyse the potash and phosphate fertilizer market, assess the industry’s Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions, and develop a low-carbon roadmap. It will also consult with fertilizer producers, through a stakeholder engagement programme, to build a sector-wide consensus and ensure the effective implementation of the roadmap.

Felicity Spors, Director, Sustainable Business & Infrastructure, Climate Strategy & Delivery at the EBRD, said: “This new roadmap builds on our strong partnership with IFA to advance the fertiliser sector’s low-carbon transition. Whilst designed with a global perspective, it speaks directly to the priorities of the EBRD’s countries of operation – including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan – where phosphate and potash industries are central to growth and employment.”

Volker Andresen, IFA’s Sustainability Director, said: “Building on our successful collaboration with the EBRD on ammonia, including the development of local Low Carbon Pathways with ERM in countries such as Egypt, this new initiative expands decarbonization efforts to phosphate and potash. Together with EBRD and ERM, we are equipping the global fertilizer industry with practical tools and guidance to support producers in designing resilient, robust, and science-based decarbonization strategies.”

Richard Platt, Partner at ERM, said: “Decarbonization efforts to date have largely focused on nitrogen fertilizers. There is a clear need for a focused, actionable strategy, for potash and phosphate fertilizers. We look forward to working with EBRD and IFA to set out a practical, data-driven pathway to significant emissions reductions.”