Solar Foods CEO Secures Over Half of Future Factory Output

Solar Foods CEO Rami Jokela announced that the Finnish biotech startup has secured memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and letters of intent (LOIs) covering more than 50% of the output of its upcoming large-scale air-protein production facility, which generates protein from gases through gas fermentation. The first phase of Factory 02 is planned to begin operations in 2028 with a capacity of 3,200 tons per year.

The company is currently expanding its pilot facility (Factory 01) from 160 to 230 tons per year to support the scale-up. According to CFO Ilkka Saura, Solar Foods is collaborating with a network of strategic partners responsible for hydrogen production, electricity supply, cooling systems, and site infrastructure to implement the project efficiently.

Factory 02 will be built in three phases, with a potential final capacity of 12,800 tons per year. The first phase requires an investment of €134 million ($155 million), with €95 million ($110 million) provided by partners. The second phase, scaling output to 6,400 tons per year, is estimated at €182 million ($211 million), with partner contributions of €127 million ($147 million).

The company’s Solein protein is priced competitively with whey protein isolate and concentrate, making it attractive in the alternative protein market. Jokela highlighted that gas fermentation allows microbes to convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into protein, reducing reliance on traditional agricultural feedstocks and increasing sustainability.

Jokela emphasized that more than half of Factory 02’s production is already committed through MOUs and LOIs, signaling strong market interest. Solein can be used in nutritional products such as bars and shakes, as well as in functional applications including gelling, emulsification, and foaming. Its bright yellow color is a distinguishing feature that may appeal to specific market segments.

Initial target customers are companies seeking a reliable protein supply and ways to reduce Scope 3 emissions. Jokela also stressed the importance of strategic partnerships and non-dilutive funding to ensure profitability and support the scaling process.

With Factory 02, Solar Foods aims to demonstrate that commercial-scale protein production from air is viable, offering an innovative solution for sustainable food production.