Technical University of Munich develops solar-powered method to produce amino acids

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have created a process that converts carbon dioxide, hydrogen and renewable electricity into essential amino acids. Solar energy is first turned into electricity, which powers hydrogen production; the hydrogen and CO₂ are then used to make methanol, a chemical feedstock. Specialized enzymes transform the methanol step‑by‑step into a range of amino acids, with the current work expanding from L‑alanine to seven different amino acids.

The team, led by Professor Volker Sieber and doctoral researcher Viktoria Lehmann, says the technology could provide a more resource‑efficient source of protein for animal feed, helping meet the United Nations’ forecast of a 60 % rise in global food demand by 2050 while arable land expands by only about two percent. By producing protein building blocks without additional farmland, water or extensive inputs, the method aims to make food production more sustainable and improve the overall efficiency of agricultural land use.