Combining trout farming and vegetable production in a Recirculating Aquaculture System
Located in France, this innovative farm combines rainbow trout production with aquaponic vegetable cultivation in a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS).
In this model, fish and plants are part of the same water cycle. Nutrients produced by the trout are recovered and used by the plants, while the plants contribute to naturally treating and purifying the water before it is returned to the fish farming system.
The farm produces trout alongside a wide range of vegetables, including tomatoes, basil, salads, strawberries, peppers and other seasonal crops.
This integrated approach significantly reduces water consumption while creating a highly local and diversified production model.
Reliable oxygen supply for the RAS
Maintaining sufficient dissolved oxygen levels is essential for fish health, growth and overall production performance. As oxygen demand can vary depending on biomass and operating conditions, the farm requires a reliable and continuous oxygen supply.
To meet this requirement, the RAS is equipped with a NOVAIR OXYPURE 5 oxygen generator.
The system provides:
- Up to 2.5 Nm³/h of oxygen
- 95% oxygen purity
- Oxygen delivery at 6 bars
- Continuous, on-site oxygen production
By generating oxygen directly on the farm, the system provides the aquaculture operation with greater autonomy and avoids dependence on regular liquid oxygen deliveries.
Producing oxygen locally with renewable electricity
The farm has also invested in renewable energy, with approximately 1,800 m² of photovoltaic panels installed on site.
The electricity generated by the solar installation contributes to covering the energy requirements of the farm, including the RAS and its oxygen generation system.
This combination of on-site oxygen generation and renewable electricity offers an alternative to conventional oxygen supply through liquid oxygen deliveries. Producing oxygen where it is needed can reduce the logistical requirements associated with external oxygen supply while helping improve the overall environmental performance of the operation.
A more autonomous approach to aquaculture
The project demonstrates how on-site oxygen generation can support modern RAS and aquaponic farming systems, providing a reliable oxygen supply while contributing to greater operational autonomy.
