Scientific study reveals rising phosphorus risks for Europe

Europe is moving toward a serious phosphorus shortage, as agricultural demand in the EU could more than double in the coming decades, while demand from batteries, photovoltaics and semiconductor manufacturing could increase up to tenfold.

This concludes a study from leading researchers from the UK and Australia: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666188825010652 

Europe is particularly exposed because it relies on imports for around 83% of its phosphorus, and about 90% of global geological reserves are concentrated in just five countries. At the same time, mining and processing virgin phosphate rock is highly carbon-intensive, with its climate impact expected to double by 2050. Recovering phosphorus from wastewater could significantly reduce emissions, in some cases by around half, but such recovery pathways are still largely missing from EU climate models and policy frameworks.

EasyMining’s Ash2Phos process recovers high-purity phosphorus from sewage sludge ash, turning an existing waste stream into a domestic source of fertiliser-grade material. The resulting product, RevoCaP, can replace imported virgin phosphate with a much lower carbon footprint, supporting both food security and climate goals. 

Read the full press release from Ragn-Sells Group: https://newsroom.ragnsells.com/posts/pressreleases/major-study-warns-of-rising-phosphorus-risks