The Norwegian government has allocated NOK 6 million, doubling its initial funding, towards a 300 square meter pilot facility to produce an omega-3 rich aquafeed ingredient based on algae.

An innovation network of stakeholders from industry and research formed a company, CO2BIO AS in 20111 to capture industrial CO2 emissions from oil companies in Mongstad, Norway, to feed algae production. Shareholders are Salmon Group, Grieg Seafood, EWOS, BTO and Nhil.

CO2BIO will use CO2 mixed with water and specific algae to produce omega-3-rich aquafeed after photosynthesis over 2-3 days. The use of algae will be an organic process. Algae will be grown on this land-based system and will therefore not affect the ecosystem of the ocean, the company said.

The pilot plant is scheduled for completion in 2015.