Expansive body of water with distant mountains, creating a picturesque natural scene in broad daylight.

Welcome to the NPower Project,

a European initiative aimed at reducing Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) emissions while optimising nutrient flows across key sectors. We develop practical solutions that support sustainable agriculture, industry, and environmental stewardship.

What is NPower

NPower is an EU-funded project that brings together 25 key actors from agriculture, industry, research, and policy to address nutrient excess and advance circular nutrient management. Over the next four years (2025–2029), the project will develop innovative tools and strategies to reduce N/P emissions and advance a circular economy of nutrients, fostering a healthier environment and resilient food systems.

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Why NPower

Excess N/P emissions cause water eutrophication, soil degradation, and air quality issues, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The challenge lies in balancing nutrient use while minimising environmental impact.

Five Key Emitting Sectors

Water/Waste management

Urban wastewater and municipal solid waste are major N/P sources, especially in densely populated areas where wastewater discharge significantly impacts freshwater systems.

Industrial sectors

Contribute 15% of EU NOx emissions, with ammonia production alone accounting for 2% of global emissions, mostly linked to fertiliser manufacturing.

Agriculture

Diffuse N/P emissions from crop and livestock production due to excessive fertiliser use and unintentional losses like leaching and volatilisation.

Energy and transport

Responsible for 58% of European NOx emissions (2020). NOx is a potent greenhouse gas with 273 times the Global Warming Potential of CO₂.

Other primary sectors

Includes aquaculture, forestry, and mining. For instance, aquaculture emits 57% of its Nitrogen and 76% of its Phosphorus, with global emissions reaching 2.1 Tg N per year.

Solution and Impact

NPower will develop and demonstrate scalable solutions to reduce N/P emissions and optimise nutrient management.

An innovative software model for N/P budgeting.

Six nutrient recovery technologies to produce sustainable fertilisers.

Twenty best management practices to reduce and recirculate nutrients.

Governance measures to mitigate emissions across air, water, and soil.

Knowledge transfer and engagement across four Regional Clusters: Spain, Belgium, Finland, and Ireland.

NPOWERED TALKS

Youtube Channel