Umeå Launches Innovative Circular Fish and Shrimp Farming Initiative with EU Support

Umeå, Sweden, is set to become a pioneering testbed for circular fish and shrimp farming through a collaborative project supported by the European Union. The initiative has been awarded EUR 610,000 from the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

Collaboration for Sustainable Aquaculture

The partnership includes Umeå Municipality, Umeå Energi, RISE, and the Umeå Plant Science Centre at Umeå University. The primary goal is to establish a land-based aquaculture facility that utilizes surplus heat from Umeå Energi’s combined heat and power plant, integrating climate-smart practices into the fisheries sector.

Local Officials Emphasize the Importance of the Initiative

Quote from Umeå Municipality:

“This is an important step in Umeå’s green transition, demonstrating our commitment to circular solutions at a high international level. This initiative not only enhances our self-sufficiency, but also boosts resilience and reduces climate emissions by replacing imported food with local production,” stated Hans Lindberg, Chair of the Municipal Executive Committee.

Project Details and Expected Outcomes

The project is slated to commence in spring, focusing on developing a pilot facility for integrated fish and shrimp farming in Umeå. A digital twin will be created to optimize heat and water flows within the system, working closely with Umeå Energi to efficiently harness the surplus heat from the power plant. This venture represents a tangible example of industrial and urban symbiosis, transforming previously wasted resources into new value.

Harnessing Surplus Heat for Sustainable Solutions

“We now have the chance to test how our surplus heat can serve as a foundation for circular collaboration among various stakeholders, enabling local fish and shrimp farming. Through the use of digital tools, we can optimize heat flows and create a more resource-efficient system,” explained Jörgen Carlsson-Noël, Business Developer at Umeå Energi AB.

Understanding the Integrated Farming System

The framework for this initiative is based on the principles of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), which involves farming multiple species together in a circular environment. This system leverages the by-products of one species as resources for others, leading to a more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly aquaculture process.

“Setting up this facility in Umeå will allow us to advance our aquaculture system from test phases to actual production of fish and shrimp. With access to surplus heat, a leading research environment, and essential partnerships, we can scale up sustainable farming effectively,” noted Olivier Keech, researcher and entrepreneur at Umeå University.

Collaboration Beyond Borders

This pioneering project is part of the EU programme NetZeroCities, collaborating with five other European cities: Espoo (Finland), Prato (Italy), Lagoa – Açores (Portugal), Maribor (Slovenia), and Fingal County Council (Ireland). Together, these cities aim to share knowledge on how circular urban systems can contribute to achieving the EU’s climate goals.

Fact Box: What is Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)?

IMTA is an innovative farming approach where multiple species are cultivated together in a circular system. This method reduces environmental impact, enhances resource efficiency, and stabilizes the farming environment by utilizing the waste as input for other organisms.

Image Caption: King prawns (Litopenaeus vannamei) grown in a biofloc-based system where microorganisms naturally recycle nutrients, improving animal welfare. Photo: Sergio Zimmermann.