Business objective
Principle purpose of EuPhoRe is the extraction of phosphates from biomass by using an
innovative, worldwide unique and patented RedOx-method. Additionally, the unique
phosphate extraction process allows EuPhoRe to excite green energy which will be fed to the
national grid and compensated in accordance with the renewable energy law.
Phosphate is an essential element for all creatures, a driving force for the metabolism of all
living cells and cannot be substituted by another element. Phosphat resources are limited and
the element itself is not renewable. According to notable international research institutes best
estimates, the natural reserves of phosphate will be exhausted during 50 to 120 years.
Crude phosphate ore as the carrier of the world’s natural phosphate reserves is mined by a
process resulting in a significant landscape intrusion and are locally converted into a tradable
crude phosphate concentrate containing an average P2O5-content of 27-34%. Out of the
approximately 190 million tons of global annual crude phosphate output, roughly 85% are
utilised by the fertilizer industry. The crucial issue of all mined crude phosphate ores is their
increasing harmful substance contamination, notably chemical heavy metal compounds.
The rising world demand on the back of the world population increase, combined with the
continuous broadening of the industrial meat production will ultimately lead to a rapid
shortage in phosphate supply causing significant sociopolitical impacts. The years 2007 and
2008 were earmarked by a global supply shortage (referred to as the ‘phosphate crisis’) which
ultimately caused phosphate price enhancements at +700%.
The International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA) projects a 5% annual growth rate in
global phosphate demand for the time period to 2014. The European Fertilizer Manufacturers
Association (EFMA) expects an annual European increase in phosphate consumption of 3.9%
in the mid-term to 2019. Due to none existent European natural crude phosphate ore
resources, the entire European phosphate consumption is dependent on imports. The EU-27
countries import 2.7 million tons yearly.
Following the envisaged shortage in supply of this essential element, the European
governments initiated research projects on the recycling of phosphates from biomass to
antagonise the inevitable supply shortage. Due to the fact that phosphates are not
replaceable, recycling represents the one and only alternative to conserve the world’s natural
phosphate reserves.