The Future of Sustainable Protein: How Single-Cell Protein (SCP) Can Revolutionize Food Production

The Need for Sustainable Protein Supply

As the global population continues to grow, food production systems face increasing pressure. Protein production, in particular, is one of the most environmentally burdensome industries. Traditional livestock farming and fisheries contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, and water resource depletion. With global protein consumption expected to rise sharply by 2050, finding sustainable alternatives has become essential.

Limitations of Existing Alternative Protein Technologies

In recent years, various alternative protein technologies—such as cultured meat, plant-based proteins, and insect proteins—have been developed. However, they still face major challenges in achieving large-scale commercialization. Cultured meat, while promising, remains expensive and requires significant infrastructure investments. Plant-based proteins, though widely accepted, often lack the taste and nutritional profile of traditional animal-based proteins. Insect-based proteins, on the other hand, struggle with consumer acceptance due to cultural perceptions. These challenges highlight the need for a more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and consumer-friendly protein source.

The Emergence of Single-Cell Protein (SCP)

Single-cell protein (SCP) is an innovative approach to protein production that utilizes microorganisms to synthesize high-protein biomass. Unlike conventional agriculture, SCP production—especially when powered by renewable electricity—requires minimal land and water resources. It can be derived from various microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, algae, and fungi, making it a highly versatile and scalable solution.

Objective of This Study and Key Research Focus

This study aims to analyze the economic and environmental feasibility of producing SCP using electrolytic hydrogen (H₂), atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrogen (N₂). Additionally, it outlines a roadmap for achieving an annual production of 30 million tons of protein by 2050. By leveraging a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)-wind power model, the research assesses optimal conditions for SCP production and explores how it can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of traditional protein sources. 

Background & Challenges

Current Protein Production Methods and Environmental Issues

Traditional protein production primarily consists of livestock farming, fisheries, and plant-based protein sources such as soy and peas. However, these methods pose significant environmental and sustainability challenges.

• Livestock Farming: Currently, livestock farming accounts for approximately 25% of the global protein supply and is one of the most environmentally impactful sectors of the food system. It contributes about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily due to methane (CH₄) released by ruminants. Additionally, vast areas of forests are cleared for pasture and feed production, leading to biodiversity loss and soil degradation.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture: Overfishing has severely depleted marine resources, disrupting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. While aquaculture provides an alternative, it often relies on unsustainable fishmeal and fish oil sources, which can further deplete specific fish species and introduce environmental concerns such as water pollution and habitat destruction.
• Plant-Based Proteins: Soy, peas, and oats provide relatively sustainable protein alternatives, but large-scale production still requires substantial land and water resources. Moreover, plant-based proteins generally have lower protein content compared to animal sources and often lack essential amino acids, requiring additional supplementation.

Increasing Future Protein Demand and Resource Constraints

The global population is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, driving a substantial rise in protein demand. However, meeting this growing demand through conventional means presents several challenges:

1. Land and Water Scarcity: Livestock farming and plant-based protein production require significant natural resources. For instance, producing 1 kg of beef consumes approximately 15,000 liters of water, more than 10 times the amount required for soy protein production.
2. Carbon Emissions: Meat production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with methane (CH₄) being 25 times more potent than CO₂ in terms of global warming potential. If large-scale industrial livestock farming continues, it will impose substantial burdens on climate change mitigation efforts.
3. Food Security and Price Volatility: Climate change and international trade instability threaten the sustainability of traditional protein production. Extreme weather events—such as droughts, floods, and temperature fluctuations—can reduce crop yields and drive up protein prices, exacerbating food insecurity.

Why Do We Need a New Protein Source?

Current protein production methods are unsustainable and unlikely to meet future demand without severe environmental consequences. Therefore, we need an alternative protein source that minimizes land and water use while reducing environmental impact.

 

SCP Technology & Production Process

What is Single-Cell Protein (SCP)?

Single-cell protein (SCP) refers to protein derived from microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, algae, and fungi. SCP contains high protein content and essential amino acids, making it a promising alternative to conventional protein sources for both food and animal feed industries.

SCP was initially explored for industrial applications in the 1970s. Early products like Pruteen, which used methanol as a substrate for microbial growth, were discontinued due to economic limitations. However, with the advent of renewable electricity-based SCP production (Power-to-Food, P2F), SCP is regaining attention as a sustainable protein source.

 

Electricity-Based SCP Production (Power-to-Food System)

SCP can be produced using various methods, but this study focuses on an electricity-based SCP system that utilizes electrolytic hydrogen (H₂), atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrogen (N₂). Unlike traditional agriculture, this method requires minimal land and water while enabling large-scale protein production.

1. Electrolytic Hydrogen (H₂) Production
• Renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power generate electricity, which is used to split water molecules via electrolysis (H₂O → H₂ + O₂).
• The produced H₂ (hydrogen) serves as an energy source for SCP microorganisms, while O₂ (oxygen) is either released or repurposed.
2. Direct Air Capture (DAC) of CO₂
• Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology captures CO₂ from the atmosphere.
• The captured CO₂ serves as the primary carbon source for SCP microbial growth.
3. Nitrogen and Nutrient Supply
• Nitrogen is provided in the form of ammonia (NH₃), which is essential for protein synthesis in microorganisms.
• Trace minerals and nutrients (e.g., iron, phosphorus) are also supplemented.
4. Microbial Fermentation and Growth
• Microorganisms, such as hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria, use H₂ as an energy source while assimilating CO₂ and NH₃ to synthesize proteins.
• Fermentation occurs in bioreactors where optimal growth conditions (e.g., temperature, pH) are maintained.
5. Protein Recovery and Processing
• After fermentation, microbial biomass undergoes cell separation and drying to produce the final SCP product.
• The resulting SCP powder contains 60–80% protein and can be used as food ingredients or animal feed.

 

Key Advantages of SCP Production

Compared to traditional agriculture-based protein production, SCP offers several benefits:

1. Land Efficiency: SCP production does not require agricultural land since CO₂ is directly utilized without photosynthesis.
2. Water Conservation: Producing 1 kg of beef requires approximately 15,000 liters of water, whereas SCP requires significantly less.
3. Carbon Footprint Reduction: SCP production is carbon-neutral as it utilizes atmospheric CO₂, significantly reducing emissions compared to conventional methods.
4. Year-Round Stability: Unlike seasonal agricultural production, SCP can be produced continuously at an industrial scale without being affected by climate conditions.

 

Current Limitations of SCP Technology

• High Initial Costs: Infrastructure for electrolysis and DAC requires significant capital investment, making SCP more expensive than traditional proteins.
• Consumer Acceptance: As SCP enters the food market, building consumer trust will be crucial.
• Regulatory Approval: SCP must undergo approval processes in different countries (e.g., EU Novel Food regulation, FDA approval) before widespread adoption.

 

Economic Viability & Industrial Applications

Economic Analysis of SCP Production

For SCP to replace conventional protein sources, it must be economically viable. This study analyzes SCP production costs from 2028 to 2050 to assess long-term cost reduction potential.

1. Projected Production Costs
• 2028: Initial SCP production cost is estimated at €5.5–6.1 per kg, making it more expensive than conventional protein sources.
• 2030: Costs are expected to decrease to €4.0–4.5 per kg due to economies of scale.
• 2050: Further advancements and large-scale production could reduce costs to €2.1–2.3 per kg, making SCP competitive with plant-based proteins.
• For reference, soy protein prices (2023) range from €1.8–8.1 per kg, while pea protein ranges from €3.5–9.3 per kg, indicating that SCP could become a cost-effective alternative by 2050.
2. Key Factors Driving Cost Reduction
• Declining Renewable Energy Costs: Electricity prices from solar and wind are expected to drop from €15–19 per MWh (2030) to €8–10 per MWh (2050).
• Electrolyzer Efficiency Improvements: Advancements in water electrolysis technology could reduce energy consumption by 20–30%, lowering hydrogen production costs.
• Economies of Scale: Capital expenditure (CAPEX) is projected to decline by 30–50% after 2030, making SCP more affordable.

 

Comparison with Conventional Protein Sources

Beyond cost, SCP must also be evaluated in terms of nutritional value, production efficiency, and environmental sustainability compared to traditional proteins.

Factor	SCP (2050 Projection)	Soy Protein	Beef Protein
Protein Content	60–80%	36–45%	18–22%
Production Cost (€/kg)	2.1–2.3	1.8–8.1	7.0–30.0
Carbon Emissions (kg CO₂/kg)	Nearly zero (CO₂ capture)	2–4	27–40
Land Use (㎡/kg)	10–50	1,500–3,000	20,000+
Water Use (L/kg)	100–200	1,800–2,500	15,000+

Conclusion: By 2050, SCP is expected to reach price parity with soy protein, while offering significantly lower environmental impact compared to livestock protein sources.

 

Industrial Applications of SCP

SCP can be utilized across multiple industries, including food, animal feed, and emerging applications.

1. Food Industry
• Protein supplements
• Ingredient for plant-based meats
• Additives for fortified foods
2. Animal Feed Industry
• Alternative to fishmeal
• Sustainable protein source for livestock and pet food
3. Future Applications
• Space Food: NASA and ESA are researching SCP as a sustainable protein source for space missions.
• Emergency Nutrition: SCP can serve as a stable food source for disaster relief and regions affected by climate change.

 

Regulatory and Policy Considerations

For SCP to achieve commercial success, policy support and regulatory approvals are essential.

1. Regulatory Approval
• SCP-based food products must undergo approval processes by regulatory bodies such as FDA (U.S.), EFSA (EU), and KFDA (South Korea).
• Finland-based Solar Foods' SCP product (Solein) has already been approved in Singapore and is currently undergoing regulatory evaluation in the EU and U.S.
2. Government Support & Investment Opportunities
• Incentives such as subsidies and tax benefits can accelerate SCP adoption.
• Increased venture capital (VC) and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investments in SCP technology startups are expected.

 

Conclusion

SCP holds significant potential as a cost-effective, sustainable, and nutritionally valuable protein source. While production costs remain high today, large-scale commercialization by 2050 could make SCP competitive with traditional plant and animal proteins.

 

Challenges & Future Prospects of SCP Technology

Key Challenges in SCP Technology

SCP presents a promising solution for sustainable protein production, offering significant environmental benefits and long-term economic viability. However, large-scale commercialization faces several technological, economic, and social challenges that must be addressed.

1. High Production Costs & Initial Investment
• SCP production remains more expensive than conventional protein sources, primarily due to high capital expenditure (CAPEX) for infrastructure.
• Facilities require costly components such as electrolyzers, Direct Air Capture (DAC) systems, and large-scale fermentation equipment, which pose financial barriers to adoption.
2. Power & Raw Material Supply Issues
• SCP relies heavily on electrolytic hydrogen (H₂), which requires a stable supply of renewable electricity to remain cost-competitive.
• In addition, SCP production requires a reliable supply chain for hydrogen (H₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and ammonia (NH₃), which varies by region and can affect overall production efficiency.
3. Consumer Acceptance & Market Perception
• Since SCP is derived from microorganisms, it may seem unfamiliar to consumers, raising concerns about food safety, texture, and taste.
• To gain mainstream acceptance, SCP-based foods must be formulated to resemble traditional protein sources and cater to consumer preferences.
4. Regulatory & Legal Barriers
• SCP-based food products require regulatory approvals from agencies such as the FDA (U.S.), EFSA (EU), and other national food safety authorities.
• While Finland’s Solar Foods has secured approval for its SCP product "Solein" in Singapore, it is still undergoing regulatory review in the EU and the U.S., highlighting the lengthy and complex approval process.

 

Solutions for SCP Development & Commercialization

To overcome these challenges, the SCP industry must focus on technological advancements, cost reductions, consumer engagement, and policy support to drive its widespread adoption.

1. Cost Reduction through Technological Advancements
• Improved Electrolyzer & DAC Efficiency
• Enhancing electrolyzer efficiency can significantly reduce hydrogen production costs, making SCP production more affordable.
• Lower-cost CO₂ capture (DAC) systems using optimized absorbents and process improvements could further decrease production expenses.
• Advancements in Microbial Cultivation
• Genetic modifications can accelerate microbial growth and optimize amino acid profiles, improving SCP’s nutritional value.
• CRISPR-Cas metabolic engineering is being explored to fine-tune microbial metabolism for higher protein yields.
2. Developing a Stable Renewable Energy & Raw Material Supply Chain
• SCP facilities should be strategically located in regions with abundant solar and wind energy, minimizing electricity costs.
• Establishing a robust supply chain for hydrogen (H₂) and ammonia (NH₃) is crucial to ensure uninterrupted SCP production.
• Industrial waste gases as an alternative CO₂ source are being explored to integrate SCP production with existing industries, reducing costs and improving sustainability.
3. Enhancing Consumer Awareness & Market Positioning
• Research should focus on improving the taste, texture, and sensory appeal of SCP-based foods to make them more familiar to consumers.
• Initial SCP adoption can be targeted toward protein supplements, functional foods, and sports nutrition, before expanding into mainstream food markets.
• Sustainability-driven marketing should be employed to appeal to eco-conscious consumers, particularly among flexitarians and plant-based diet enthusiasts.
4. Regulatory Streamlining & Government Support
• Governments should streamline regulatory approval processes by funding research that demonstrates SCP’s safety and nutritional benefits.
• Carbon-neutral policies and sustainable food initiatives should include financial incentives (e.g., tax credits, subsidies) for SCP production facilities.

 

Conclusion

While SCP has enormous potential as a sustainable and scalable protein source, key barriers related to production costs, supply chains, consumer acceptance, and regulatory approvals must be addressed.

Solving these challenges will require technological innovation, supply chain optimization, consumer education, and supportive government policies. If these hurdles are overcome, SCP could become a mainstream protein source by 2050, transforming global food production into a more sustainable and resilient system.

 

Conclusion & Future Outlook

SCP as a Sustainable Protein Source

Single-cell protein (SCP) represents a transformative approach to protein production using renewable electricity, addressing the environmental and economic limitations of traditional livestock and plant-based protein sources. With its carbon-neutral production process, minimal land and water requirements, and year-round scalability, SCP has the potential to become a mainstream protein source by 2050.

According to this study’s projections, SCP production costs are expected to decline to €2.1–2.3 per kg by 2050, making it competitive with soy protein. Moreover, SCP production can reduce carbon emissions by over 90% compared to conventional meat production, playing a crucial role in the transition toward sustainable food systems.

 

Industrial and Research Implications

1. Expansion in the Food & Feed Industry
• SCP can be used in protein supplements, plant-based meats, functional foods, and animal feed, complementing existing protein sources.
• Additionally, SCP-based products hold promise for space food, climate-resilient food production, and emergency relief nutrition.
2. Advancements in SCP Technology & Research
• Innovations in electrolyzer efficiency and DAC technology will further reduce production costs, while microbial engineering can enhance SCP’s protein content and nutritional profile.
• Cross-industry collaboration will be key to developing carbon-negative SCP production models that integrate with existing renewable energy and industrial processes.
3. Regulatory & Policy Support
• SCP must undergo food safety approvals in multiple countries, requiring continued research to validate its safety and functionality.
• Government incentives, including regulatory streamlining, tax benefits, and subsidies for renewable energy integration, will be essential to accelerating SCP adoption.

 

Future Outlook: Can SCP Revolutionize the Global Food System?

By 2050, SCP is likely to transition from being a protein alternative to a primary protein source, driven by the global shift toward sustainable food production. SCP's development could lead to:

• "Carbon-Negative Protein" → SCP production could evolve to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into food, rather than emitting carbon.
• "Decentralized Food Production Systems" → Unlike traditional agriculture, SCP can be produced in urban environments, deserts, or even space, reducing dependency on arable land.
• "High-Value Functional Nutrition" → SCP could advance beyond basic protein supply, incorporating essential vitamins, omega-3s, and other functional nutrients.

 

Final Conclusion

SCP is poised to become a technologically advanced, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable protein solution. While challenges remain, large-scale commercialization by 2050 could fundamentally reshape the protein industry, making SCP a key component of the future food system.

Ultimately, SCP is more than just a new food source—it is a scalable solution for a more sustainable planet. With continued collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders, SCP could soon become an essential part of global food security.

 

What kind of new future did this article inspire you to imagine? Feel free to share your ideas and insights in the comments! I’ll be back next time with another exciting topic. Thank you! 😊

 

References

Scientific Articles & Reports

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Market Reports & Industry Analysis

7. Global Market Insights. (2023). Single-Cell Protein Market Size & Growth Report 2023-2032. Retrieved from https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/single-cell-protein-market
8. McKinsey & Company. (2019). Alternative Proteins: The Race for Market Share Is On. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/agriculture/our-insights/alternative-proteins-the-race-for-market-share-is-on
9. Mintec Ltd. (2023). Global Protein Market Trends & Price Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.mintecglobal.com/plant-based-proteins

 

Technological & Scientific Innovations

10. NASA. (2023). Sustainable Food Systems for Space and Earth: Potential of Single-Cell Proteins. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/
11. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). (2024). Regulatory Status of Novel Protein Sources in the EU. Retrieved from https://www.efsa.europa.eu/
12. Solar Foods Oyj. (2024). Solein: A Novel Food Approved in Singapore. Retrieved from https://solarfoods.com/

 

Environmental & Policy Reports

13. FAO. (2022). The Future of Food and Agriculture: Alternative Proteins and Global Food Security. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/
14. European Commission. (2023). Regulation (EU) 2023/1115: Deforestation and Food Production Sustainability Policies. Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32023R1115
15. Our World in Data. (2020). Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Food Production. Retrieved from https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local

 

Consumer & Market Trends

16. Food & Wine. (2024). Solein: The First Air-Based Protein Hits the Market. Retrieved from https://www.foodandwine.com/solein-protein-8771371
17. Grub Street. (2023). The Rise of High-Protein Diet Trends in Grocery Stores. Retrieved from https://www.grubstreet.com/article/high-protein-diet-food-grocery-stores.html