The energy challenge and future of land-based salmonoid farming

Article 3/3: The critical consideration in RAS

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While the development of RAS land-based fisheries can be idealized as a solution to industry challenges such as predicted demand increase, location limitations of ocean-based farming, and strain to wild fish populations due changing environmental conditions; no honest assessment can ignore the energy challenge of RAS.

Beyond feed production — which remains energy-intensive across all fishery systems — RAS facilities require substantial electricity for water extraction, pumping, and aeration. This contrasts with coastal farms where fuel consumption for boats dominates direct energy use.

Sustainability in this sector depends on energy sources. Locations with high levels of available green energy are currently the most environmentally sound choice for RAS fisheries. Land-based fisheries powered by renewable energy can legitimately claim environmental advantages. Those relying on fossil fuel-generated electricity may struggle to demonstrate net benefits over traditional coastal operations.

Studies that track ‘cradle-to-gate’ energy use of RAS land-based farms compared to coastal fisheries, show coastal farms have a significantly lower energy use. However, comprehensive lifecycle analyses from ‘cradle-to-plate' that incorporates processing and distribution, would provide clearer comparisons, have not yet been carried out.

At least for now, in this burgeoning sector of the fish industry, energy sources when considering location selection are crucial.

Energy case study: First Water is a state-of-the-art land-based Atlantic salmon farming facility in Iceland, the home of geothermal and hydroelectric power. Their access to sustainable energy sources ensures they have a strong sustainability profile. First Water are also harnessing the natural filtration of Icelands volcanic stones. Using a hybrid flow-through system that recirculates filtered water and pulls in fresh seawater to minimize the risks of both the RAS and FTS technologies.

Market positioning and food security

Current projects like Hima and First Water are proving the viability of land-based aquaculture as an alternative to wild fishing or coastal fish-farming. Demonstrating that with clean water, disease-free environments, and stress-minimizing systems, land-based operations not only result in a profitable business but also a sustainable one.

By optimizing water use, using sustainable energy sources, developing a circular economy, and providing controlled production of high-quality fish; RAS land-based fish farming is showing how it can strengthen the Water, Food and Energy (WEF) Nexus which is integral to future food security.

A path forward

Land-based salmonoid farming isn’t without its challenges. Energy costs, initial capital requirements, and research around optimal stock densities and welfare parameters require continued development. Yet, for salmon processors, the advantages align with the critical industry challenges:

• Consistent, predictable supply volumes to support growing market demands
• Higher yields of premium-grade salmon
• Significant improvement of operational predictability and workforce management
• Reduced food safety risks through controlled, disease-free environments
• Proximity processing for fresher fish and optimal food safety
• Waste reduction through process-to-order harvesting

Smaller, innovative companies are currently leading this exciting new sector – operations like Hima’s and First Water’s pioneering facilities – are proving that viable alternatives to coastal fish-farming exist. These are profitable businesses demonstrating sustainable working models.

A promising future

Land-based aquaculture, while not new, is still developing; to reach its full potential, it requires time to solve its issues and investment.

As larger companies remain committed to making coastal cage aquaculture more sustainable; smaller, nimble operators are defining the future of land-based fish production. The question isn’t whether this technology will play a role in the industry’s future, but how significant that role will become.

JBT Marel is committed to supporting this emerging sector, providing the processing technology and integration expertise that helps land-based operations deliver on their considerable promise. The future of salmon farming is an opportunity we’re excited to be part of shaping.

Technology integration

To realize the full advantages of land-based salmonoid farming, harvesting, handling, and processing systems need to seamlessly integrate. JBT Marel’s partnership with specialists Ace Aquatec and MMC First Process help ensure the transition from live fish to processed end-product maintains the benefits that Hima’s and First Water’s farms create.