22/03/2026
Norway is actively developing large-scale offshore seaweed farms, particularly along its rugged coastline and in nutrient-rich northern waters like off Trøndelag, to tackle climate change through dual-purpose marine innovation.
These cultivation efforts focus on fast-growing kelp species that excel at photosynthesis, drawing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide from seawater—and indirectly from the atmosphere—far more rapidly than terrestrial plants, sometimes up to 50 times faster.
Projects such as the Seaweed Carbon Solutions pilot, involving research organizations like SINTEF alongside industry partners, have established demonstration farms spanning hectares with thousands of meters of cultivation lines.
These initiatives test scalable techniques for growing, harvesting, and utilizing biomass in ways that support both carbon removal and sustainable energy production.
The harvested seaweed serves as versatile feedstock for renewable biofuels, including biogas, bioethanol, and other bio-based fuels, helping displace fossil alternatives while fostering a circular blue bioeconomy.
Additional products like bioplastics, fertilizers, animal feed, and even biochar emerge from the process, enhancing economic viability.
Although current pilots capture modest quantities—such as around 15 tonnes of CO₂ from 150 tonnes of biomass—the emphasis lies on proving cost-effective methods, refining technologies, and preparing for future upscaling.
Norway's cold, productive ocean environment positions it as a leader in ocean-based climate solutions that simultaneously sequester carbon and generate clean energy resources.