PlasmaLeap BUSINESS 

Generating ammonia and nitrate with just air, water and electricity

PlasmaLeap’s eNFix system is a zero-emissions nitrogen production technology that synthesises ammonia and nitrate fertilisers using only air, water, and renewable electricity (Figure 1).

Words Helen Newman, Berry Industry Development Officer, Agricultural Produce Commission WA

THE patented plasma-based process bypasses the need for natural gas inputs, as used in traditional Haber-Bosch grey ammonia systems, and is engineered for high energy efficiency and compatibility with variable renewable power (Figure 2).

eNFix produces high-concentration liquid fertiliser suitable for protected cropping and fertigation environments

The eNFix system is containerised and scalable, offering growers a stable, secure, and flexible approach to accessing nitrogen on-farm or in regional ‘nutrient hubs’ where clusters of interested growers are located. Nutrient hubs are planned for construction in Tasmania and regional New South Wales, where the shared model will be tested.

FIGURE 1. Inputs and outputs of PlasmaLeap’s eNFix system

FIGURE 2. Comparison between traditional Haber-Bosch ammonia generation systems and the PlasmaLeap eNFix system

It is hoped that this technology will not only reduce the carbon footprint of nitrogen fertiliser inputs but also reduce exposure to transport bottlenecks, volatile global markets, storage risks, and risks associated with long-distance freight and long global supply chains.

How plasma makes nitrogen fertiliser from air

Plasma is the fourth state of matter, distinct from solids, liquids, and gasses. It’s generated when energy, in the form of heat, pressure or electricity, is applied to a gas, causing ionization where electrons separate from their atoms.

The air we breathe is made up of around 78% nitrogen gas (N2 ). The two atoms in the nitrogen molecule are held together very tightly and are not easily separated. Like a lightning bolt during a storm, the eNFix system applies enough energy to break apart the triple bond of the Nitrogen atoms. Once split, the nitrogen atoms quickly bond to oxygen in the atmosphere, forming nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) and other chemical species. When water is added, like rainfall in a storm, the nitrogen dioxide dissolves, creating nitric acid (HNO3 ), which forms nitrates (NO3 ) (Figure 3). Lime can be added to this solution to create calcium nitrate (CaNO3 ). As an alternative pH buffer to lime, a further electrochemistry step can reduce part of the HNO3 to generate Ammonium Nitrate (NH4 NO3 ).

FIGURE 3. Plasma activation in action: primary chemical species generated by the plasma activation are shown in white. These rearrange themselves, attaching to other free molecules to form other chemical species shown in pink.

Beyond horticulture

While horticulture represents the natural early market, PlasmaLeap’s plasma-based platform extends into broader agricultural applications, industrial, and emerging energy sectors. Its zero-emission ammonia production is relevant to the rapidly expanding hydrogen and eFuel industries, providing additional commercial pathways that support the company’s growth and the ongoing refinement of the technology.