UAB-Led CONFETI Project Produces Urea Fertilizer in the Field Using Solar and Biobattery Power

Researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) have completed the CONFETI project, a three-year initiative that resulted in a pilot system capable of producing urea fertilizer directly in agricultural fields using renewable energy. The system uses an electrochemical reactor that combines carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrates, powered by a combination of biobatteries and solar panels. This approach eliminates the need for centralized fertilizer production and long-distance transport, potentially reducing costs and carbon emissions for farmers. By generating urea on-site from readily available inputs, the technology addresses supply chain vulnerabilities and promotes sustainable agriculture. The CONFETI project demonstrates a practical path toward decentralized fertilizer production, with implications for food security and environmental impact. As the pilot system is now operational, further development could scale this innovation to benefit farms worldwide.