PlasmaLeap On-site Plasma Fertiliser Plants

PlasmaLeap, a university spinout based in Camperdown, New South Wales per press coverage, designs plants for the local production of fertilisers, fuels and chemicals. It addresses dependence on imported, fossil-based nitrogen fertiliser.

Its containerised plasma plants use air, water and electricity to make products such as nitric acid, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and NPK blends, and also fuels such as SAF and methanol. The company runs field trials on barley, sorghum, salad vegetables and potatoes in Australia and also sells a Plasmaleap Research Platform for R&D.

• Containerised plants: Closed-loop plasma systems that deploy rapidly.
• Fertiliser range: Nitric acid, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and NPK.
• Renewables compatible: Runs on air, water and electricity without fossil feedstock.
• Modular scaling: Capacity grows by adding units.
• Research platform: A power supply and reactor system for plasma R&D.

Fertiliser companies in Vietnam could pilot regional plasma hubs for nitrate products. Large agricultural estates or cooperatives could assess on-site nitrogen production. Universities can use the research platform for plasma chemistry studies.

Local production reduces dependence on imported fertiliser and its supply risk. Plants run on renewable electricity rather than fossil feedstock, supporting zero-emission inputs. Containerised, modular systems can be deployed rapidly and scaled in steps.

Fertiliser price spikes and supply disruptions push interest in local, low-carbon nitrogen production. Vietnam imports a large share of its fertiliser inputs and is promoting green agriculture, so on-site or regional production could attract cooperatives and fertiliser firms.

Raised A$30 million (announced March 2026). Won three THRIVE Global Impact Challenge awards in December 2025 and was runner-up in the IFA Cultivate Challenge in August 2026. Plans fertiliser hubs in New South Wales and Tasmania.