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Global potential of sustainable single-cell protein based on variable renewable electricity

Author

Listed:
  • Mahdi Fasihi

    (LUT University)

  • Fatemeh Jouzi

    (LUT University)

  • Petri Tervasmäki

    (Solar Foods Oyj)

  • Pasi Vainikka

    (Solar Foods Oyj)

  • Christian Breyer

    (LUT University)

Abstract

The environmental impacts of the food system exceed several planetary boundaries, with protein production being a major contributor. Single-Cell Protein (SCP) is a protein-rich microbial biomass that offers a sustainable alternative when derived from renewable energy and sustainable feedstocks. We evaluate the global potential for SCP production utilising electrolytic hydrogen and oxygen, atmospheric carbon dioxide and nitrogen, and hourly-optimised hybrid PV-wind power plants at a 0.45° × 0.45° spatial resolution. We outline a roadmap for industrial-scale production, commencing in 2028, targeting an annual capacity of 30 million tonnes of protein by 2050. Here we show that the cost of renewable electricity-based protein (e-protein) could decline at optimal sites from 5.5–6.1 € kg−1 in 2028 to 4.0–4.5 € kg−1 by 2030, and further to 2.1–2.3 € kg−1 by 2050. Consequently, e-protein production can mostly decouple protein supply from water and arable land constraints, substantially mitigating the environmental impacts of food production.

Suggested Citation

  • Mahdi Fasihi & Fatemeh Jouzi & Petri Tervasmäki & Pasi Vainikka & Christian Breyer, 2025. "Global potential of sustainable single-cell protein based on variable renewable electricity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56364-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56364-1
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