Nutrient Recovery from Anaerobic Digestion in Europe

Nutrient recovery and reuse technologies at European anaerobic digestion plants enhance sustainability by converting digestate into marketable fertilizers. Groot Zevert Vergisting (Netherlands) recovers nitrogen and potassium via GENIUS and phosphorus via RePeat, achieving 50–56% efficiency. AM Power (Belgium) treats 180 kt/y of organic waste, producing 160 kt digestate annually, with phosphorus-rich solids exported to France. Acqua & Sole (Italy) co-digests sewage sludge and food waste, recovering 22% of NH4-N as ammonium sulphate. RIKA Biofuels (UK) recovers up to 90% of phosphorus and nitrogen as ammonium sulphate. Benas-GNS (Germany) uses modified stripping and FiberPlus to recover 80% of ammonia as ammonium sulphate and 67% of NH4-N, with biogas sent to the grid. These technologies reduce emissions, lower transport costs, and support circular agriculture.