Carbon-Negative Food Production System Developed in Iceland via Cultivation of Microalgae Using Light from Geothermal Station

An Icelandic food tech company, Vaxa Technologies, has developed a carbon-negative food production system that uses energy and water from a nearby geothermal power plant to cultivate microalgae for food. The facility harnesses specific wavelengths of red and blue light, supplied by the power plant to save energy and ensure continuous growth of the algae, resulting in a sustainable and efficient production process. The system is capable of producing up to 150 metric tonnes of algae annually and is considered to have a slightly negative carbon footprint, contributing to a more environmentally friendly food production method.

The microalgae, including Nannochloropsis and Arthospira, are used as food for both humans and animals. While the production process is considered sustainable, there is concern over the use of the microalgae to feed fish and shrimp in aquaculture, which can diminish the overall environmental, health, and ethical benefits of the system. The development of this innovative food production system highlights the potential for utilizing low-impact energy sources to create energy-intensive products in a more sustainable manner.