In the outskirts of Helsinki, Finland, a revolutionary food production factory has opened its doors. The Solar Foods factory utilizes renewable electricity and feeds microorganisms to produce protein powders that can replace milk and eggs. Scientists at the newly established factory provide the microorganisms with CO2, hydrogen, and minerals, powered by electricity from renewable sources. This cutting-edge process results in a protein powder called solein that is a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.
According to Pasi Vainikka, CEO of Solar Foods, their ultimate goal is to produce the world’s most sustainable protein from the air. The company was founded in 2017 and opened the world’s first factory to produce food from air last month. The protein produced by Solar Foods emits 130 times less greenhouse gases than beef production in the European Union, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Emilia Nordlund, head of food research at VTT Technical Research Center, highlights the importance of changing our approach to food production in order to combat climate change and prevent biodiversity loss. Solar Foods’ innovative method of using renewable energy and greenhouse gas-eating microorganisms shows potential to reduce emissions and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
At the Solar Foods plant, microorganisms in a fermenter are fed greenhouse gases to multiply and produce pale yellow protein powder. The company aims to demonstrate the scalability of their technology while attracting investment. Their new protein, approved for sale in Singapore, has the potential to revolutionize the food industry by offering a more sustainable protein source compared to traditional methods. Plans are already underway to build a larger industrial plant that will further expand their impact on creating a more sustainable future for our planet through innovative food production methods.
