VAXA Impact Nutrition Expansion
VAXA Impact Nutrition has started the 2nd phase construction of the algae patented technology production facility at Hellisheidi in Iceland, converting clean energy into sustainable food products.
Microalgae are commonly used for feed purposes, but the VAXA production facility uses the natural outputs of the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant located near VAXA, including renewable energy, cold and hot non-marine water, and carbon to power the production process, providing artificial light, water, and carbon dioxide needed for algae to grow based on VAXA's patented process. The plant is a terrific example of the circular economy.
Control Systems Expertise
Mannvit is the lead engineering firm, working on the entire project in cooperation with VAXA. Mannvit’s expertise in control systems and industrial processes has proved a vital component in assisting VAXA with their build-up. Design, programming and commissioning of control systems is part of Mannvit’s role as well as structural, mechanical and electrical engineering, site supervision and Project Management. The enlargement, now under construction, will triple the production area, and will enable VAXA Impact Nutrition to tenfold their production capacity of the microalgae.
What Is the Importance of this Green Sludge?
The microalgae are rich in protein with complete Essential Amino Acids (EAA), Omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamins and therefore serves as a nutrient rich, abundant food source for fish and for humans as a nutrition supplement, for natural colorants, and protein drop-ins for meat substitutes. Sustainable agriculture continues to propose incremental improvements in food and feed systems; however, it seems a technological breakthrough is required to achieve sustainable food security. VAXA’s way of production might be leading the way to a future where we can produce feeds with lower resource requirements, using renewable energy while effectively reducing CO2 in the atmosphere in the process. In addition, the production process requires less than 1% of the fresh water and land footprint, compared to industry standards.