Grupo Vall Companys, a leading company in Spain’s agri-food sector, has officially launched the LIFE Green Ammonia project. This pioneering initiative uses a patented high-technology membrane system to capture ammonia generated on pig and poultry farms.
nnnnTechnical innovation and environmental benefits
nnnnThe technology, tested on pig and poultry farms, is currently at the industrial prototype stage and operates through a dual pathway to mitigate environmental impact:
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- Atmospheric pathway: The system is capable of capturing up to 98% of ammonia emissions present in the air inside farm buildings. nnnn
- Liquid pathway: The equipment acts on the liquid fraction of slurry, where the majority of nitrogen is concentrated, capturing up to 45% of the ammonia present. n
According to the project’s managers, this reduction is essential for improving air quality in rural areas, reducing odours, and preventing the acidification of soil and water.
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Coral Carrasco, R&D and Sustainability Coordinator at Grupo Vall Companys, underscores the company’s commitment with this project:
“We believe that the present and future of any economic activity depends on sustainability. Participating in the development of these prototypes allows us to be at the forefront of solutions to environmental challenges such as emissions and odours, always seeking to benefit the
rural environment.”
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Boosting the circular economy and strategic autonomy
nnnnThe project does not merely eliminate a waste product, but transforms it into a high-value resource:
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- The captured ammonia is converted into ammonium sulphate, an organic fertiliser. nnnn
- A compostable solid fraction is obtained for use as manure. nnnn
- This local production strengthens the strategic autonomy of the European food chain by reducing dependence on fertiliser imports. n
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Consortium and Project Details
nnnnThe project has a budget of €2,537,921 and is funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme.
nnnn| Entity | Role in the project |
| Fundación UVA / UVA | Coordination and scientific leadership |
| ITACYL | Scientific leadership and co-holder of the patent |
| Agrocesa / Agroporcino Manso | Business participants and licensees |
| Vale Do Junco | Business participant (Portugal) |
Coral Carrasco, R&D Coordinator at Grupo Vall Companys, has highlighted that participation in these prototypes positions the company at the forefront of environmental solutions. The consortium is also requesting that this innovation be recognised as a Best Available Technique (BAT) under European legislation, in order to facilitate its widespread deployment.
Source:
-. Vall Companys