The one-square-kilometer seaweed farm marks a significant milestone in establishing the scalability of sustainable tropical seaweed cultivation
Sea6 Energy, a technology pioneer in the Blue Economy, has launched the world’s first large-scale mechanized tropical seaweed farm off Ekas, on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. The one-square-kilometer seaweed farm marks a significant milestone in establishing the scalability of sustainable tropical seaweed cultivation for the production of large industrial applications such as biofertilizers, bioplastics, and the continued research and development of renewable chemicals and fuels.
The challenges in harvesting tropical seaweed at- scale have been seen as a significant barrier to growth in the industry, and the key reason for limited research on the seaweed feedstock’s applicability in large industrial applications. By automating various workflows of seaweed cultivation, from seeding to harvesting, and developing proprietary processing know-how that dramatically enhances the feedstock’s shelf life, Sea6’s vertically integrated state-of-the-art technology platform increases smallholder farmer productivity and firmly positions the oceans as the next frontier for scalable agriculture biomass for a sustainable planet.
Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Industry as well as the Indian and UAE Ambassadors to Indonesia witnessed the launch. The dignitaries underscored the importance of this innovative project in promoting environmental stewardship and fostering economic growth in the region.
Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia and Timor Leste, added, “Largescale Seaweed cultivation project in Lombok is a shining example of India-Indonesia cooperation in blue economy. Sea6 Energy is a product of India’s biotechnology innovation ecosystem. They are pioneers of seaweed cultivation and processing technologies globally. Greater investment in seaweed cultivation can meet the challenges of producing biodegradable industrial raw materials such as biofuels and bio plastics. Sea6’s investments in Indonesia are creating local green jobs, developing skills, creating opportunities, and building a sustainable local economy. We are delighted that a company like Sea6 is committed to scaling up of seaweed cultivation and processing in Indonesia.”
Sea6’s has attracted nearly $30 million of international investment over the past ten years, including Netherlands-based sustainable aquaculture fund Aqua-Spark, India’s Tata Capital, BASF Venture Capital, Twin Towers Ventures, and Singapore-based family offices, Silverstrand Capital and Potato Impact Partners. In 2023, Temasek Foundation provided a grant to support the pilot of the automation and mechanization of the tropical seaweed farm in Ekas.
Significance of Sea weed industry in SEA:
In addition to its potential to be used as an input feedstock, seaweed is becoming more popular due to its potential to replace fossil fuels and land-based biomass that is increasingly in conflict with human food supply chains. Sea6’s one-square-kilometer seaweed farm aims to revolutionize the ocean economy by maximizing efficiency, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring the highest standards of product quality, safety, and traceability while creating employment opportunities for coastal communities.
