Arborea's Innovative Microalgae Plant in Portugal to Launch by 2027

Arborea, a pioneering startup focused on sustainable biotechnology, is set to operationalize a large-scale microalgae production facility in Portugal by 2027. The plant will employ a patented 'biosolar leaf' technology that allows for the efficient growth of microalgae, a process that has historically faced challenges due to high operational costs and contamination issues. According to Julian Melchiorri, the founder of Arborea, the company's innovative approach to cultivating microalgae aims to revolutionize the sector and provide a pathway for creating carbon-negative products.

The microalgae industry is not new; it has seen numerous startups, such as Joule Biotechnologies and Solazyme, attempt to harness the potential of these organisms. However, many have failed, primarily due to economic hurdles and the complexities of production. Melchiorri noted, "When I started [10 years ago], I was very young and maybe naive. I felt that microalgae was the solution to produce carbon neutral and negative chemicals and food for all humanity. But as an engineer, I didn’t want to repeat the mistakes of others."

Arborea's approach distinguishes itself by focusing not just on the microalgae themselves, but on optimizing the upstream production systems. The startup has developed a low-cost production system using gas-permeable membranes made from recycled plastic, which enables the microalgae to utilize sunlight and atmospheric carbon dioxide without pressurization. This closed system mitigates the contamination risks associated with open pond cultivation, a common issue that has limited the scalability of microalgae production in the past.

According to Dr. Kaly Chatakondu, Arborea's Global Commercial Director, the facility aims to produce water-soluble proteins and blue pigments at competitive prices. He explained, "We’ve solved the problem of extracting the protein from spirulina to get both the functionality and the nutrition. Our product is neutral in taste and color, with foaming, gelling, and emulsifying properties that are ideal for various applications in human food and pet food."

The company has raised approximately €17 million (around $20 million) through a mix of grants and equity funding, positioning itself to capitalize on a growing market for sustainable protein sources. With an increasing emphasis on sustainability in food production, Arborea’s innovations may align well with global trends toward reducing reliance on traditional agricultural practices.

The anticipated facility in Portugal could serve as a model for future biotechnological advancements, potentially influencing not only the microalgae sector but also broader areas of sustainable agriculture and food technology. Melchiorri emphasized the importance of their innovative production method, stating, "Our feedstocks are sunlight and atmospheric CO2; we are the first in the world that can sequester CO2 at atmospheric pressure."

As Arborea prepares for its 2027 launch, the implications of its technology could extend beyond the immediate benefits of microalgae production, offering solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges. The successful implementation of this technology could pave the way for a new era of sustainable food production, effectively addressing issues related to food security and climate change. With partnerships already in place with large multinationals, Arborea is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of sustainable proteins and bioproducts.