Highlights

• Global consortium develops food from carbon dioxide; the endeavour to reduce dependence on farmland and water.
• Microbial strains convert acetate into protein-rich food, with pilot facilities erected in Denmark.
• $25.7 million funding from Gates and Novo Nordisk Foundations to scale production and test prototypes.

Northwestern University’s Ted Sargent and his research group have joined an international initiative dubbed the Acetate Consortium, which aims to produce food from carbon dioxide (CO₂).

The consortium, started in 2023, has received renewed backing from the Gates Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation to catalyse its work.

Converting CO₂ into acetate, the initiative can replace sugar in fermentation processes to produce single-cell and precision proteins. This could result in reduced agricultural land and water usage, as well as provide a sustainable alternative to traditional farming.

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In its first two years after making inroads, the consortium developed microbial strains that grow entirely on acetate and contain over 40% protein. Pilot facilities were constructed at Aarhus University in Denmark to show acetate production, and researchers identified main cost factors, including electricity and infrastructure.

With the new funding through 2027, the consortium plans to scale production, develop food prototypes for consumer testing, and conduct environmental and socio-economic assessments. New partners with expertise in food science, consumer behaviour, and gastronomy have joined to guide the second phase.

Experts emphasise the urgency of developing alternatives to conventional agriculture due to climate change, population growth, and rising global food demand.

Claus Felby, vice president for agri-food at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, said that producing food from CO₂ once seemed like science fiction, but prototypes are expected to reach consumers within the next two years.

The consortium includes a mix of universities, research centres, and food companies, such as Topsoe A/S, Novonesis A/S, Orkla A/S, Spora ApS, and Copenhagen Process ApS.

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The renewed initiative carries funding of up to $25.7 million over two years, with both foundations contributing equally.

The Gates Foundation supports activities at Northwestern, Novonesis, and Copenhagen Process ApS, while the Novo Nordisk Foundation funds the remaining partners.

The effort represents a global push to create sustainable and nutritious food that does not rely on traditional farming methods and can be produced in regions with limited land.

Ends/

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Source: Northwestern University