A new seaweed farm has been established off the coast of Trøndelag, to test how large-scale kelp cultivation can become a cost-effective and sustainable ocean-based carbon removal solution.
According to DNV, the pilot project is called JIP Seaweed Carbon Solutions and has a budget of NOK 50 million. The partners in the project include SINTEF, DNV, Equinor, Aker BP, Wintershall Dea and Ocean Rainforest.
Facts about the seaweed farm
- The seaweed farm is located off the coast of Mid-Norway, outside the island of Frøya, at Storflua in Frohavet.
- The ocean cultivation unit is part of the Norwegian Seaweed Centre funded by the Norwegian Research Council.
- The cultivation unit will be used by several major kelp research projects.
- SINTEF obtained the aquaculture licence in the summer of 2023.
- The facility covers 200 hectars and the farm has currently a capacity of 55,000 meters of kelp line
DNV’s research shows that in addition to a dramatic acceleration of renewable energy, carbon capture and removal technologies are essential to reach Net Zero, and seaweed biochar can potentially be one of these
… commented Ellen Skarsgård, Head of Sustainability Development and Climate at DNV
Many initiatives focus on reducing emissions, whereas the goal of this project is to research how already emitted carbon dioxide (CO₂), can be removed from the atmosphere. Additionally, researchers will examine how the carbon dioxide can be stored.
To remove CO₂ molecules from the Earth’s natural cycle, we will explore the possibilities of using chemical processes to transform the seaweed into biochar, which can then be used for soil improvement
… said Senior Researcher Jorunn Skjermo at SINTEF
The licensed aquaculture site, which covers 200 hectares, is now ready to receive the first seaweed seedlings that have been cultivated in laboratories.
The first harvest will take place in the summer of 2024. Researchers estimate the seaweed yield will be approximately 150 tons in the first season, DNV informs.
