Methaneregvs24.png
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Source data
Type Paper
Authors Juan B. García Martínez
Joshua M. Pearce
James Throup
Jacob Cates
Maximilian Lackner
and David C. Denkenberger
Year 2022
Cite as Citation reference for the source document. García Martínez, J.B., Pearce, J.M., Throup, J., Cates, J., Lackner, M. and Denkenberger, D.C., Methane Single Cell Protein: potential to secure global protein supply against catastrophic food shocks. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, p.1125. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2022.906704/abstract Academia OA, OSF Preprint

Global catastrophes such as a supervolcanic eruption, asteroid impact or nuclear winter could cause global agricultural collapse due to reduced sunlight reaching Earth's surface. Human civilization's food production system is unprepared to respond to such events, but methane single cell protein (SCP) could be a key part of the solution. Current preparedness centers around food stockpiling, an excessively expensive solution given that an abrupt sunlight reduction scenario (ASRS) could hamper conventional agriculture for 5 to 10 years. Instead, it is more cost-effective to consider resilient food production techniques requiring little to no sunlight.

This study analyses the potential of SCP produced from methane (natural gas and biogas) as a resilient food source for global catastrophic food shocks from ASRS. The following are quantified: global production potential of methane SCP, capital costs, material and energy requirements, ramp-up rates and retail prices. In addition, potential bottlenecks to fast deployment are considered.

While providing a more valuable, protein-rich product than alternatives, the production capacity could be slower to ramp up. Based on 24/7 construction of facilities, 7-11% of global protein requirements could be fulfilled at the end of the first year. Despite significant remaining uncertainties, methane SCP shows significant potential to prevent global protein starvation during an ASRS at an affordable price — US$3-5/kg dry.

See also[edit | edit source]

mqdefault.jpgYouTube_icon.svg
Feeding Everyone No Matter What
Foodweb.png

Additional Information[edit source]

Davos IDRC Conference[edit source]

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.