Facility in Schkopau established for phosphorus extraction from wastewater sludge - Phosphorus Extraction Facility Opens in Schkopau, Using Sewage Sludge as Raw Material
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 26, 2025, in Schkopau chemical park to mark the commencement of a unique global project—a new plant for recovering phosphorus from sewage sludge. This endeavor, which has gained the support of the German Ministry of Environment, is set to significantly reduce Europe's reliance on imported phosphorus fertilizers and phosphates.
The new plant, under construction by Phosphorus Recovery Schkopau (PGS) GmbH, will have an annual capacity of processing 30,000 tonnes of sewage sludge ash. The plant is projected to become operational in 2027, marking an essential milestone in Europe's quest for self-sufficiency in phosphorus.
Located in the thriving Schkopau chemical park, the project demonstrates the potential to merge resource conservation and economic advantage. By recovering phosphorus from waste, the plant is expected to boost local recycling capacities, particularly benefiting regions with strong agricultural sectors, such as Saxony-Anhalt.
The investment in this project is significant, with the Ministry of Environment plans to contribute approximately 27 million euros from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) of the EU. The collaboration between Gelsenwasser AG and EasyMining Services Sweden AB in the founding of the Phosphorus Recovery Schkopau GmbH signifies a collective commitment to promoting sustainable technology in environmental protection and nutrient management.
With this innovative approach, the project aligns with broader EU goals for a circular economy and sustainability in nutrient management. It promises to lower reliance on imported phosphorus fertilizers, which in 2024 amounted to around 3.97 billion euros in Germany alone. The successful implementation of this plant in Schkopau could serve as a blueprint for similar projects elsewhere in Europe.
- The community policy of Schkopau chemical park supports the development and operation of the new phosphorus recovery plant, which is a part of the global effort in environmental science to combat climate-change issues.
- The employment policy in the chemical industry will be positively affected by the construction and operation of the phosphorus recovery plant, as it is projected to create numerous job opportunities in the region.
- The environmental-science sector could experience growth due to the increase in recycling capacities, particularly in regions with strong agricultural sectors, such as Saxony-Anhalt, as a result of the phosphorus recovery plant.
- The finance industry might see increased investments in projects focused on energy efficiency and sustainability, such as the phosphorus recovery plant, given its potential to lower reliance on imported phosphorus fertilizers and contribute to Europe's circular economy.
- The real-estate industry may benefit from the increased economic activity and potential for urban development around the Schkopau chemical park due to the construction of the phosphorus recovery plant, signifying a conducive business environment.
