Design for Big Akwa's land-based aquaculture facility in Ånge Municipality, Sweden.
Image: Big Akwa
Swedish aquaculture company Big Akwa has begun the detailed planning stage for its Alby land-based fish farm, a move the company describes as a “central milestone” in its development. The facility, planned for the Alby industrial area in Ånge Municipality, is expected to produce 6,000 tonnes of rainbow trout each year once fully operational.
The project will use recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology and apply an “industrial symbiosis” model, drawing on excess heat and oxygen from nearby hydrogen production. The company says this will improve energy efficiency and allow for nutrient recovery that can be repurposed into biochar, fertilisers, and microbial proteins. Operations are due to start in 2026, with full capacity anticipated by 2029.
The project is being developed with several partners, including Danish RAS specialist FREA Solutions, Swedish infrastructure consultancy Undeko, and Ånge Municipality. Big Akwa said this collaboration gives it access to technical expertise, clearer budgeting, and tools for risk management.
In a press release, Daniel Brännström, Chief Technology Officer at Big Akwa, said: “This marks an important milestone for Big Akwa. We are not only building a fish farm but also showing how the future of food production can be designed in close collaboration with industry and the environment.”
“Working closely with Big Akwa and Undeko, we’re proud to contribute our proven RAS solutions. With unmatched CAPEX/OPEX, this project sets new standards for sustainable aquaculture," added Thorsten Vammen, Chief Executive of FREA Solutions.
Big Akwa was founded in 2020 and focuses on resource-efficient food production. The company recently signed a land allocation agreement with Ånge Municipality, enabling it to move ahead with planning, financing, and securing the necessary permits for the project.