MicroHarvest, Leuna

A new production facility for alternative microbial proteins strengthens Europe’s food supply

A brewery that feeds Europe instead of making beer? That’s one way to picture MicroHarvest’s process. The Hamburg-based startup produces microbial protein from regional agricultural by-products. It uses fermentation, much like brewing beer, but instead of alcohol, the process produces high-quality protein powder within 24 hours. The company plans to bring this food technology process to Leuna Chemical Park. The facility will have the capacity to produce 15,000 metric tons a year, offering a sustainable alternative to imported protein sources.

Comprehensive Support For a New Protein Facility

Drees & Sommer is supporting the development of Europe’s first facility of its kind with comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction supervision services. The project team’s feasibility study examines technical, economic, and regulatory requirements to confirm the project’s viability. Drees & Sommer also provides preliminary design and design development for the buildings and selected areas of the fermentation process. The scope includes areas for receiving, storing, and preparing raw materials, equipment for drying, filling, and packaging the protein, and systems that support fermentation. It also covers offices, laboratories, building systems, and outdoor areas. The team helps project partners coordinate their work and establish clear requirements for costs, schedules, and quality. 

Added value

• Regional, independent production capacity strengthens Europe’s protein supply
• Using agricultural waste as a raw material supports the circular economy
• Resource-efficient production runs 365 days a year, regardless of the weather
• Integrated project management and early feasibility assessment support reliable planning and control over costs, schedules, and quality 

SERVICES

• Feasibility study
• Preliminary design and design development for buildings and process areas
• Coordination of specialist designers, suppliers, and other project stakeholders
• Evaluation of design options for cost-effectiveness and opportunities for optimization