Big Akwa Granted 25-Year Environmental Permit to Produce 6,000 Tons of Rainbow Trout Annually
Swedish food-tech company Big Akwa is proud to announce that it has been granted a 25-year environmental permit to produce approximately 6,000 tons of rainbow trout annually at its land-based aquaculture facility in the Alby industrial park, located in Ånge Municipality
The permit, issued by Länsstyrelsen Västernorrland, reflects the outcome of a close and effective collaboration between Big Akwa’s expert team, Ånge municipality, and leading industry consultants. The facility will use a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) integrated into a broader circular economy model, reducing environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.
“We are incredibly happy and proud to have reached this point. This permit is the result of intense and dedicated work by our entire team, our advisors, and our partners in and around Ånge,” says Elena Petukhovskaya, CEO and co-founder of Big Akwa.
“The permit gives us the certainty we need to move forward,” says Daniel Brännström, CTO at Big Akwa. “We’re now shifting focus to execution — preparing the site, refining technical designs, and continuing the close dialogue with our industrial partners.”
“This is an important step forward. By applying a modern, resource-efficient approach, we can significantly reduce feed and energy consumption per kilo of fish produced. This not only results in a low-impact protein that is in high demand, but also creates a long-term economically attractive model for investment,” says Hugo Wikström, VP and co-founder of Big Akwa.
Big Akwa’s production facility will be the centerpiece of an industrial partnership where surplus resources from nearby industries are transformed into valuable inputs – a tangible example of industrial symbiosis in action.
Once up and running, the facility will produce up to 6,000 tons of rainbow trout annually, destined for both Swedish and international markets. The focus is on traceability, climate benefits, and strengthening food security.
The project is backed by a broad coalition of investors, public funders, and industrial partners – all united by the ambition to drive forward climate-neutral food production.
For more information, please contact: Elena Petukhovskaya, CEO Big Akwa AB (publ) elena@bigakwa.com, +46 (0)76 843 22 04
Facts:
The facility will be located in the Alby industrial area in Ånge Municipality and will use land-based RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) technology to produce up to 6,000 tons of rainbow trout annually. The project is based on a model of industrial symbiosis, by utilizing excess heat and oxygen from the hydrogen production.
In addition to energy efficiency, the facility will contribute to circular resource flows by recovering
nutrients for the production of biochar, fertilizers, and microbial proteins. Operations are planned to begin in 2026, with full capacity expected by 2029. The project is being developed in partnership with RES, Ånge Municipality, and a network of technical and environmental experts.
For more information please contact
www.bigakwa.com
info@bigakwa.com
CEO: Elena Petukhovskaya
+46768432204
Big Akwa is a Swedish company founded in 2020, specializing in the development of innovative concepts for resource-efficient food production. The company aims to establish large-scale land-based fish farming, operating in collaboration with nearby process industries through industrial symbiosis. This approach allows the use of industrial by-products while contributing to the sustainable and competitive production of fish. The company boasts several individuals with extensive experience in the industry. www,bigakwa.com
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