Scientists produce food from electricity and CO2

Scientists have successfully produced protein powder using electricity and carbon dioxide, an advance that may help combat food scarcity and hunger across the world. The entire process requires only electricity, water, carbon dioxide, and microbes. The method releases food production from restrictions related to the environment as the protein can be produced anywhere renewable energy, such as solar energy, is available, researchers said.

“In practise, all the raw materials are available from the air. In the future, the technology can be transported to, deserts and other areas facing famine,” said Juha-Pekka Pitkanen, Principal Scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. After exposing the raw materials to electrolysis in a bioreactor, the process forms a powder that consists of more than 50 per cent protein and 25 per cent carbohydrates – the texture can also be changed by altering the microbes used in the production, ‘Futurism’ reported.

The protein created can be used as a fodder replacement as well, thus releasing land areas for other purposes, such as forestry. The method allows food to be produced where it is needed, researchers said.
“In the long term, protein created with electricity is meant to be used in cooking and products as it is. The …read more