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China converts coal plant exhaust into cheap fertilizer
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China /Environment & Climate

China converts coal plant exhaust into cheap fertilizer

From South China Morning Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A Chinese company is developing a technology to convert coal power plant emissions into fertilizer.
  • This process captures sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide using ammonia and transforms them into a sellable fertilizer product.
  • The innovation aims to reduce the costs associated with carbon capture and potentially lower fertilizer prices.

In a significant stride for environmental technology and industrial innovation, China is pioneering a novel approach to tackle emissions from coal-fired power plants. Jiangnan Environmental Technology (JNG) has developed a groundbreaking method that transforms harmful exhaust gases into valuable fertilizer. This initiative, reported by China Electric Power News, a publication under the National Development and Reform Commission, highlights China's commitment to sustainable development while addressing economic concerns.

The technology utilizes ammonia to capture sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide from coal combustion. Unlike traditional carbon capture methods that involve liquefying CO2 and burying it undergroundโ€”a process often hampered by high costs and specific geological requirementsโ€”JNG's method offers a more economically viable solution. The captured emissions are converted into fertilizer, which can then be sold, thereby offsetting the costs of carbon capture. This dual benefit of environmental protection and economic gain positions China at the forefront of green industrial practices.

This development is particularly noteworthy given the global focus on reducing carbon footprints and the challenges associated with implementing carbon capture technologies. By creating a marketable byproduct, China is demonstrating a pragmatic and innovative path forward. This approach not only addresses climate change concerns but also contributes to the agricultural sector by potentially lowering fertilizer costs. As reported by the South China Morning Post, this innovation underscores China's capacity for technological advancement in critical areas, setting a precedent for other nations seeking to balance industrial needs with environmental responsibility.

flue gas enters from one end of the pipe, and fertiliser comes out from the other end

โ€” person involved in the projectDescribing the process of converting coal power plant emissions into fertilizer.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.