Copenhagen, Denmark-based sustainable protein company Unibio announced on 3 October a new single-cell protein plant in Qatar, a first for the country, creating supplements for fish and animal feed with biotechnology investor – Doha, Qatar-based Gulf Bio.
Unibio focuses on microbio fermentation to create a feed product, which is then used as a supplement in fish and animal feed. The plant will use the Unibio U-Loop technology, which converts methane through continuous fermentation. The initial annual estimates on production are 9,000 tons of protein, while using just 1/300th of the water and 1/25,000th of the land, according to the company.
“Through the planning and the feasibility study we have had a professional and constructive dialogue with Unibio to develop the project and adapt the plant to Qatar conditions. We look forward to finalizing the FEED phase and starting the construction of the first sustainable protein plant in Qatar," Gulf Biotech Founder Hitmi Al-Hitmi. "We see enormous potential for the future of sustainable development of our business and achieving food security for the country by providing a sustainable and economically viable source for animal feed products."
Unibio first signed a deal with Gulf Biotech in 2021. According to a release from the two companies, the project has reached the final stage before construction of the plant begins.
“We are absolutely delighted with the progress made together with Gulf Biotech in reaching the FEED stage at what will be Qatar’s first single cell protein (‘SCP’) plant. We need innovators and visionaries if we are to provide food security for the world’s growing population in a sustainable way, especially at a time when the global cost of food continues to rise," Unibio CEO David Henstrom said. "Qatar’s abundance of methane makes it an ideal region to use our technology. I am confident that together with our partners, we will play a pivotal role in being part of the solution in Qatar and beyond and look forward to updating our investors on this FEED result in due course.”
