A new Norwegian bioeconomy based on cultivation and processing of seaweeds: Opportunities and R&D needs

Abstract

Cultivation of macroalgae at the lowest trophic level, using only sunlight and nutrients from the sea while taking up CO:z, will have a neutral carbon footprint and the biomass will contribute significantly to meet the demand for food, feed, materials, chemicals, fuels and pharmaceuticals in near future. Through a new bioeconomy based on cultivated macroalgae Norway will establish a future feedstock bypassing the competition with land­based agricultural resources and at the same time contribute to the replacement of fossil resources. This blue bioeconomy will strenghten Norway's role as the leading seafood nation as well as a leading supplier of marine, sustainable biomass. In order to boost a new bioeconomy based on cultivated macroalgae, three priority areas must be focused:

• Biomass production technology • Biorefinery prosesses • Marked and product development