Topsoe Advances CO2-to-Food Project to Next Phase

Project Overview

A consortium, including Topsoe, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the Gates Foundation, is advancing a project to convert CO2 into nutritious food. The initiative has entered its second development phase, focusing on optimizing and scaling the technologies involved.

Funding and Timeline

The project has secured DKK 162.2 million (€21.1 million) in funding for 2025-2027, equally provided by the Gates Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. This financial support will facilitate the continued development and testing of food production technologies.

Technological Development

In the first phase, Topsoe explored process routes from CO2 to acetate using its Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) and eMethanol technologies. The second phase will involve life cycle assessments and collaboration with Aarhus University to validate and refine these processes.

Consortium Partners

The consortium includes various universities and companies such as Copenhagen Process ApS, Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen, Northwestern University, Novonesis A/S, Orkla A/S, Spora ApS, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO2 Research Center.

Phase 1 Achievements

Key achievements from the first phase include the development of microbial strains that grow on 100% acetate and contain over 40% protein, as well as the completion of pilot facilities at Aarhus University for acetate feedstock. The project also identified electricity and infrastructure as key cost drivers.