What is the Low Energy Kelp project?
This Innovate UK supported project aims to optimise the low-energy processing of cultivated kelp, unlocking a sustainable method of kelp extraction across the UK for the production of biostimulants and animal feed supplements.
The project will develop a novel low-energy replicable extraction process of seaweed that can consistently produce high quality agricultural products.
Cultivated kelp is a nutrient-dense resource that benefits soil and animal health and resilience to stress. However, existing agri-seaweed products use seaweed sourced from wild harvest. With increased demand for agri-seaweed products and licensing and capacity restrictions on wild harvesting biomass across Europe, the industry needs new sustainable ways to meet increasing demands for seaweed processing.
Through field trials, it aims to expand the supply of kelp to UK producers, driving healthier soil and livestock systems and improving environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
Project partners
