In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications, researchers have outlined a compelling roadmap for the global production of sustainable single-cell protein (SCP), a development that could revolutionize the food industry and reshape the energy sector. Led by Mahdi Fasihi of LUT University, the research highlights the potential of using renewable energy to produce protein-rich microbial biomass, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.
The study, which evaluates the global potential for SCP production using electrolytic hydrogen and oxygen, atmospheric carbon dioxide and nitrogen, and hourly-optimized hybrid PV-wind power plants, presents a visionary approach to decoupling protein supply from water and arable land constraints. This could substantially mitigate the environmental impacts of food production, a sector that currently exceeds several planetary boundaries.
Fasihi and his team envision a future where the cost of renewable electricity-based protein, or “e-protein,” could decline significantly. “At optimal sites, the cost of e-protein could drop from 5.5–6.1 € kg−1 in 2028 to 2.1–2.3 € kg−1 by 2050,” Fasihi explains. This dramatic reduction in cost is not just a financial boon but also a testament to the scalability and efficiency of the proposed technology.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the demand for sustainable protein sources grows, so too will the need for renewable energy. This creates a symbiotic relationship where the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure is driven by the food industry’s shift towards sustainable protein production. “The integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the production of SCP not only supports the food industry but also accelerates the transition to a low-carbon economy,” Fasihi notes.
The study’s roadmap for industrial-scale production, commencing in 2028 and targeting an annual capacity of 30 million tonnes of protein by 2050, underscores the feasibility of this vision. This ambitious goal could be a game-changer for both the energy and food sectors, driving innovation and investment in renewable energy technologies.
The research, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, translates to English as ‘Nature Communications’, offers a comprehensive analysis of the potential benefits and challenges of SCP production. It provides a detailed spatial resolution of 0.45° × 0.45°, ensuring that the findings are both globally applicable and locally relevant.
As we look to the future, the potential for SCP to transform the food industry and energy sector is immense. This research not only highlights the environmental benefits but also the economic opportunities that lie ahead. The energy sector stands on the cusp of a new era, where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand, driven by innovations like those outlined in Fasihi’s groundbreaking study.
