Nutrient Utilisation and Recovery though Supercritical Extraction (NURSE)

This project brings together Cranfield University, Kairos Carbon Ltd, the Royal Agricultural University, and the UK Agri-Tech Centre to develop and demonstrate a novel supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) process for organic waste management and nutrient recovery. Unlike conventional treatment routes, SCWO is inherently compatible with high-moisture feedstocks and fully converts organic matter into inorganic minerals, carbon dioxide, and heat under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions. The recovered mineral fraction is subsequently formulated into a stable, non-leaching, demand-driven fertiliser, while the carbon dioxide is captured in a pressurised form suitable for permanent geological sequestration. The process is strongly exothermic, enabling energy-neutral operation and low operating costs.

Through pilot-scale demonstration, fertiliser formulation, pot and field trials, and detailed lifecycle and systems-level assessment, the project will quantify reductions in nutrient losses, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental pollution, while demonstrating agronomic performance and economic viability. By accelerating the deployment of a scalable, negative-emissions technology, the project directly supports national priorities on water quality, net-zero emissions, clean air, and sustainable food production, while providing farmers with a domestic, low-cost alternative to imported fertilisers.