Saudi Arabia to build world’s largest single-cell protein plant to boost feed security

SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Industrial Investment Group, a leading Saudi industrial investor, and Unibio International PLC, a Danish biofermentation company specialising in single-cell protein for feed, are partnering to develop the world’s largest single-cell protein plant in Al Jubail, targeting animal feed production as the Kingdom moves to reduce reliance on imported feed ingredients and strengthen food security.

The project, structured as an 80:20 joint venture between SIIG and Unibio, will produce 50,000 tonnes of Uniprotein annually in its initial phase, with plans to scale beyond 300,000 tonnes. 

The output will be used in aquaculture, poultry, and livestock feed, supplying both domestic and international markets.

The investment reflects a broader push by Saudi Arabia to localise feed production in a region heavily dependent on imported raw materials such as soybean meal and fishmeal. 

By introducing industrial-scale fermentation, the project positions the Kingdom to diversify its protein sources while reducing exposure to global price volatility and supply chain disruptions.

Gas turned into feed

At the core of the project is Unibio’s proprietary vertical loop bioreactor technology, which uses a continuous fermentation process to convert methane from natural gas into Uniprotein, a high-quality single-cell protein for animal feed.

Saudi Arabia’s abundant natural gas resources make it a strategic location for this technology, allowing the production of feed protein without reliance on agricultural land or marine resources. 

This approach bypasses traditional feed inputs, offering a scalable alternative to fishmeal and soy-based proteins.

Uniprotein is non-GMO, free from pesticides, and fully traceable. 

It has already been approved for aquaculture use in Saudi Arabia and for feed applications in the European Union, with additional global registrations underway. 

“The world needs innovators who collectively want to find a solution to providing food stability for future generations,” said David Henstrom, CEO of Unibio. 

“We believe that our fermentation technology, which incorporates the most efficient reactor of its kind in gas fermentation, is ideal for Saudi Arabia. We are delighted to join with SIIG as a JV partner to bring industrial-scale fermentation to the Kingdom and look forward to working together to address an authentic problem – how to feed a growing population with minimal impact on the planet.”

Trials have demonstrated its effectiveness across multiple animal species, particularly in aquafeed, where demand for sustainable protein sources is rising.

The facility is expected to play a key role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which prioritises economic diversification, food security, and industrial innovation. 

“We are excited to work on developing this project alongside our partner Unibio, and look forward to bringing sustainable protein production to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, our region, and the rest of the world,” said Abdulrahman Alismail of SIIG. 

“We see this as a strategic investment for our company and the long-term growth in shareholder value. Using Unibio’s technology, we aim to make Saudi Arabia the leader in single-cell protein production and improve food security for both Saudi Arabia and the world’s growing population.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, with commercial operations targeted for 2028.

A gas allocation has already been secured from the Ministry of Energy, while the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu has designated the project site, signalling strong government backing.

For the feed industry, the development represents a structural shift. 

Instead of relying on imported agricultural commodities, protein can be produced locally through gas-based fermentation. 

This has implications for feed manufacturers across the Middle East and Africa, where high input costs and supply disruptions remain key challenges.

The joint venture builds on a US$70 million investment by SIIG in Unibio in 2023 and is expected to accelerate the commercialisation of single-cell protein at scale. 

As adoption grows, alternative proteins such as Uniprotein could play an increasing role in feed formulations, particularly in aquaculture, where sustainability and cost pressures are driving innovation.

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