Goal: sustainable alternative to artificial fertilizers
Less fertilizer means less CO₂
The arable farming, horticulture, and livestock farming sectors have made agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Artificial fertilizers are a significant contributor to these emissions, as both their production and application release significant amounts of CO₂. Furthermore, the application of artificial fertilizers leaches significant nitrogen into surrounding (natural) areas. Therefore, an alternative is being sought, and VitalFluid’s idea is promising.
Water gets superpowers
The developers behind VitalFluid believe they have found the answer to these problems with their innovative Plasma Activated Water technology (commonly known as ‘lightning water’).
Here’s how it works: when you treat water with high voltage, it acquires properties that promote growth. This makes this water a viable alternative to artificial fertilizer. Furthermore, water can be dosed very precisely, preventing fertilizer from leaching. And thirdly, the use of plasma-activated water reduces the need for pesticides.
Looking for a testing ground
TU/e and its spin-out VitalFluid sought chain partners to scale up the technology and to demonstrate and validate it in a practical environment.
This is what Enablemi did
We sought out the right chain partners, including horticulturalists who wanted to try out a demonstration setup, and brought them together for a fruitful collaboration.
We then set out the ambitions in a project plan and wrote an application for POP3 subsidy on behalf of the consortium.
The decision was well-received, and from that point on, we managed the project and handled its administration. We monitor progress, organize meetings, and handle progress reports, among other things.
Three supervisory authorities
Horticulture is under scrutiny. No fewer than three bodies were involved in this matter: the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), and Stimulus.
This, combined with European regulations, made the project administration complex. Fortunately, we were able to relieve the client of this responsibility. We were able to support this project with our knowledge, experience, and working methods. As a result, the project was successfully completed and the full subsidy was disbursed.
The initial phase of the POP3 project was challenging, as it took considerable time before the grant was approved, leading project partners to shift their focus elsewhere. Thanks to collective effort, the project was brought back on track. The project objectives were achieved—enabled in part by Enablemi’s leadership. The administrative aspects required significant perseverance from all parties, but it is gratifying that these, too, were ultimately completed.
Paul Leenders, Founder VitalFluid
The VitalFluid project contributes to these Sustainable Development Goals
The win-win impact of VitalFluid
Using Plasma Activated Water offers benefits in several areas. First and foremost, for horticulturalists, who benefit significantly from reduced pesticide and fertilizer costs. It also benefits supply chain partners, who have built meaningful partnerships outside their own sectors.
Finally, the potential environmental benefits of Plasma Activated Water are enormous. This project will significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. It will save on fertilizer production emissions and reduce nitrogen pressure on nature reserves.
Want to know more about projects like this? Ask Jeroen for advice!
