China Turns Coal Power Plant Exhaust into Cheap, Effective Fertiliser

BEIJING – A Chinese enterprise has pioneered a novel method of converting industrial exhaust from coal-fired power plants into agricultural fertilizer, a breakthrough that could significantly reduce the costs associated with both carbon capture technology and food production.

According to a report released on Monday, May 17, 2026, by China Electric Power News, the process is remarkably streamlined. An unnamed individual involved in the project was quoted as stating that “flue gas enters from one end of the pipe, and fertiliser comes out from the other end.”

China Electric Power News is a publication operating under the National Development and Reform Commission, China's paramount economic planning body.

Traditionally, carbon capture involves isolating carbon dioxide (CO2) from emissions to prevent its release into the atmosphere, where it contributes to climate change. This captured CO2 is then typically liquefied and buried deep underground. However, this conventional approach is often hampered by the necessity for specific geological conditions and substantial start-up and operational expenses.

Jiangnan Environmental Technology (JNG) has adopted a distinctly different strategy. The company employs ammonia to capture both sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) present in the flue gas generated by burning coal. These captured chemicals are subsequently transformed into a marketable fertilizer.

This innovative method offers a dual benefit: not only does it divert potent greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere, but the sale of the resulting fertilizer also helps to offset the costs of the carbon capture process. Furthermore, the Chinese firm asserts that this new fertilizer can significantly boost crop yields when compared to conventional agricultural alternatives.

The report was published at 2:00pm by Zhang Tongin Beijing.