(Equitable, inclusive, circular, and healthy cities: valorizing phosphogypsum waste into commercial products through sustainable and circular processes)

  • Implementation period: 01.06.2024 – 31.05.2028
  • Funding programme: Horizon Europe (HORIZON)
  • via the call: Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors – HORIZON-CL6-2023-CircBio-02-1-two-stage;
  • Project type: Innovation Actions (IA)
  • Grant agreement: 101135157
  • Website: https://fic-fighters.eu/,
  • Project budget: €11,786,068
  • Partner countries: Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain.

 

FIC-Fighters aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a systemic, circular economy solution for the remediation of phosphogypsum (PG) stacks in Europe. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across six European sites, the project is dedicated to transforming PG waste into valuable resources that support the sustainability of urban regions and reduce environmental impact.

The project addresses the urgent need for sustainable waste management by leveraging circular economy principles. FIC-Fighters specifically targets the valorization of phosphogypsum waste in key sectors, including batteries, packaging, construction, detergents, and fertilizers. The project brings together stakeholders from various industries and regions, creating a collaborative network that fosters innovation and supports European cities in becoming more sustainable.

Expected impact

  • Improving urban sustainability

By transforming phosphogypsum waste into valuable resources, the project contributes to cleaning up cities and reducing industrial waste.

  • Promoting circular economy practices.

The project encourages circularity across various industries, contributing to the goals of the EU Green Deal.

  • Influencing policies and regulations.

By demonstrating the environmental and economic benefits of valorizing PG, the project aims to inform European policies on waste management and the sustainable use of resources.

 

Expected results

The FIC-Fighters project is set to generate significant results across several key areas, fostering innovation within the circular economy and supporting sustainable urban development:

  • Over the course of 48 months, in collaboration with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), we will deliver:

New applications for phosphogypsum

  • The development and demonstration of new uses for phosphogypsum waste across various sectors, including construction, fertilizers, and detergents. This includes creating market-ready products and materials that incorporate phosphogypsum as a sustainable resource.
    Environmental and economic benefits:

Presentation of case studies on waste and carbon emission reductions achieved by transforming process gases (PG) into valuable resources, thereby contributing to cleaner cities and supporting EU environmental goals.

  • Significant impact on industry and policy

Providing valuable insights and recommendations to industry stakeholders and policymakers, contributing to the adoption of circular economy practices within the EU.

  • Best Practice Exchange Community (CoP)

Establishing a network for professionals and researchers to exchange knowledge on the valorization of PG, foster ongoing collaboration, and build capacity in sustainable waste management.

The launch of a comprehensive platform to facilitate access to research findings, best practices, and resources related to phosphogypsum, for the benefit of businesses, researchers, and the public.
In Romania, the phosphogypsum stack selected as a case study for the project is the one at Turnu Măgurele.

Further information regarding the project can be provided by Dr. Delia Dumitraș (email: d_deliaro@yahoo.com),

The project brings together a diverse consortium of partners from industry, research, and policy across Europe, each contributing their unique expertise: