Nestled near Iceland's largest geothermal power station, an innovative facility is making waves in sustainable agriculture. Vaxa Technologies has harnessed the geothermal energy of the area to cultivate nutrient-rich microalgae. This project is not only a testament to cutting-edge technology but also a beacon for future food sources. Utilizing photo-bioreactors, Vaxa's facility employs red and blue LED lights to fuel the growth of Nannochloropsis, a microalgae grown for human consumption and aquaculture feed. The facility's unique location and technological advancements highlight its potential to transform global food security.
The facility's operations are centered around the use of photo-bioreactors, which consist of modular units that emit specific wavelengths of light. This precise lighting setup is crucial for maximizing photosynthesis in microalgae. Kristinn Haflidason, the facility's general manager, explains this process succinctly:
"More than 90% of the photosynthesis happens within very specific wavelengths of red and blue light," – Mr Haflidason
"We are only giving them the light that they use." – Mr Haflidason
At the heart of this operation is the cultivation of Nannochloropsis microalgae. This algae is harvested at a rate of about 7% daily, with rapid replenishment ensuring a continuous cycle of growth. The facility boasts an impressive production capacity, generating up to 150 metric tonnes of algae annually. The nutritional profile of Nannochloropsis is noteworthy, as it is rich in protein, carbohydrates, omega-3s, fatty acids, and vitamin B12.
The strategic location near a geothermal power plant allows Vaxa Technologies to maintain a negative carbon footprint. Asger Munch Smidt-Jensen, a food technology consultant at the Danish Technology Institute, underscores this environmental benefit:
"The algae is eating CO2, or turning the CO2 into biomass," – Mr Haflidason
"You end up with a slightly negative carbon footprint," – Asger Munch Smidt-Jensen
"We also found a relatively low footprint, both in terms of land and water use." – Asger Munch Smidt-Jensen
Vaxa Technologies is not just focused on current achievements; it has ambitious plans for expansion. The company aims to increase production capacity to meet growing demands in the burgeoning microalgae market, which is projected to be worth $25.4 billion by 2033. This growth aligns with the company's vision of addressing global food insecurity through sustainable practices. Kristinn Haflidason believes that expanding their algae farming operations could significantly contribute to alleviating food scarcity issues across the globe.
In addition to its commercial aspirations, Vaxa's facility is part of an exciting research project funded by the European Space Agency. The project aims to explore the feasibility of growing microalgae on the International Space Station. This initiative represents a significant step forward in understanding how microalgae could serve as a viable food source in space exploration.
Malene Lihme Olsen, a food scientist at Copenhagen University, is also delving into the potential of microalgae as a food source. While she acknowledges its promise, she emphasizes the need for further research into its nutritional value:
"Green microalgae [chlorella] have a very robust cell wall, so it can be difficult for us to digest and get all the nutrients," – Malene Lihme Olsen
"If you compare one hectare of soy in Brazil, and imagine we had one hectare of algae field, you could produce 15 times more protein a year [from the algae]." – Malene Lihme Olsen
Asger Munch Smidt-Jensen highlights the broader implications of utilizing Iceland's geothermal resources for such energy-intensive processes:
"My main takeaway is that we should utilise these areas [like Iceland] where we have low impact energy sources to make energy intensive products," – Asger Munch Smidt-Jensen