Innovative Food Production: The Future of Edible Protein
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The New Era of Food Production
In contemporary discussions, many skeptics challenge the idea that food can be digital. They often dismiss the notion that, akin to the replicators seen in Star Trek, we might someday cultivate food in compact countertop units. Despite this skepticism, we are already witnessing a transformation in how fresh produce is grown indoors, with robotic systems facilitating the process. My assertion remains: we are on the brink of utilizing solar energy and essential inputs to essentially 3D print our food.
And now, that vision is becoming a reality.
A Finnish company named Solar Foods is pioneering the creation of edible protein by extracting carbon from the atmosphere, utilizing electricity and water. This innovative process requires no plants or animals—only microbes. By incorporating essential nutrients and vitamins into a fermentation process, they produce Solein, a new form of edible protein. A comparison has been drawn between this method and winemaking, where microbes are nourished with carbon and water instead of sugar. The production cycle for Solein lasts nearly three days—significantly shorter than the time required to raise a chicken (around six weeks) or a cow (which can take 1.5 to 2 years). While Solar Foods is still in its early development phase, they are constructing their first production facility, aiming to introduce Solein to the market as early as 2023.
What This Means for the Future
A truly abundant postcapitalist society relies on food production that utilizes minimal and readily available resources, mirroring the principles of digitalization. Water, carbon, and solar energy fit this model perfectly. As the costs associated with reproduction approach zero, traditional market pricing becomes irrelevant, leading to the gradual disintegration of capitalist structures. Digital advancements have already disrupted market dynamics in sectors like ebooks and digital music, which rely on artificial constraints to maintain pricing power. However, food is fundamentally different from these sectors. As we witness similar changes in food production, a noncapitalist framework begins to take shape. Every effort to lessen material inputs while maximizing energy efficiency draws us closer to a future characterized by abundance. With free energy from the sun, accessible water, and an excess of atmospheric carbon, the possibilities are vast.
In essence, as anticipated, food can indeed adopt a "digital" model. For 3D-printed footwear, one merely requires a suitable digital design; here, the only necessities are the microbes and minimal resources. In both scenarios, all energy stems from free solar power.
Visualizing the Concept
To better illustrate this groundbreaking process, here are some images from Solar Foods' media resources.
The vibrant color of Solein, derived from beta-carotene, can enhance various dishes such as smoothies, pasta, and soups.
I hold great respect for individuals like Dr. Pais Vainikka, CEO of Solar Foods, who has dedicated two decades to perfecting this innovative approach. His commitment to addressing pressing global issues such as hunger and climate change serves as an inspiring model. His passion and perseverance exemplify the transformative efforts needed to tackle climate change and other challenges we face.
Future, Solar, Postcapitalism, & Climate Change
Articles by Anthony Signorelli
You can find my newsletter Intertwine: Living Better in a Worsening World here. I share ideas, insights, and creative thoughts to help navigate the complexities of our time, covering topics such as masculinity, postcapitalism, climate change, digitalization, green energy, and financial planning. To support my work and discover other valuable writings, consider joining Medium for just $5, as they generously compensate me for my contributions. Thank you for your support!
The first video titled "Making Food from Thin Air" explores how innovative technologies are enabling the production of food in unprecedented ways.
The second video, "Food Out of Thin Air? - Solar Foods Full Interview," delves deeper into the methods and implications of this revolutionary approach to food production.