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Demeter:
Food

Demeter

To keep things clear, Stichting SOLAR has grouped all its future projects into themes. Demeter covers the projects on food. Below you can read what the foundation plans to research.

Who is Demeter? Demeter is the Greek goddess of the harvest, grain and the fertile earth, and according to myth she taught people how to sow and harvest grain. When her daughter Persephone was taken to the underworld, Demeter searched the whole world, and while she mourned, nothing grew. Only when Persephone came back did the fields turn green again. As the goddess who makes sure there is food on the table, she fits our projects on food.

Research and production of aquaponics systems

Stichting SOLAR researches sustainable food production through aquaponics, using integrated systems that combine fish farming and plant growing. In an aquaponics system, nutrients from the water in the fish tanks are turned into usable fertiliser for plants through natural bacterial processes. The result is a circular system with minimal water use and no artificial fertiliser.

The research programme looks at optimising water quality, nutrient balance and energy use. The foundation also studies how aquaponics systems can be scaled up for urban and regional food production. By developing practical set-ups and pilot projects, the foundation contributes to efficient, local and sustainable food supply.

R&D into algae as a source of nutrients

The foundation researches the production and use of algae as a natural source of nutrients for farming systems. Algae contain valuable macro- and micronutrients that can be used as organic fertiliser or soil improver. By growing algae under controlled conditions in photobioreactors or open systems, the foundation uses sunlight, CO₂ and water to produce high-quality biomass.

The research focuses on optimising growing conditions, nutrient composition and processing methods. We also look at integrating algae production into existing farming and energy systems, for example by using residual flows. This way we work towards a circular, low-emission food chain.

Research and production with aeroponics and hydroponics

Stichting SOLAR researches innovative growing methods such as aeroponics and hydroponics, using controlled environments to grow crops efficiently. In hydroponics, plants grow in water with dissolved nutrients; in aeroponics, the roots hang in the air and are sprayed with a nutrient-rich mist. Both systems use far less water than traditional farming and make it possible to grow without soil.

The research programme focuses on optimising nutrient solutions, light recipes, automation and higher yields. We also look at combining these systems with algae-based nutrients and renewable energy. By developing and producing these technologies further, the foundation contributes to future-proof, sustainable and locally scalable food production.

How much water does a crop really need?

We want to measure, per crop, how much water is needed and how much of it can be recovered in our growing systems. These measurements help us use the systems sparingly at more locations later. Reusing water more broadly falls under Poseidon (water management and circular water use).

Growing mushrooms and fungi on residual flows

We want to research how mushrooms and fungi can be grown on organic residual flows, as a supplement to plant-based food. We will start with a small trial set-up.