"Energy availability is a key factor when selecting a farming site, as sustainable metrics are highly important. When we evaluated renewable energy sources for our next farm, we settled on the Midwest due to its reasonable electricity rates," says Tisha Livingston, Co-Founder of 80 Acres Farms and Infinite Acres, a US-based vertical farming business.
In a panel discussion at the Inhouse Farming Show in Hanover, moderated by Eva Helén, CEA industry leaders came together to discuss how to make indoor farming more sustainable and efficient. The panel included Joyce Rasquin, Business Development Manager at Grodan; Andy Manley, Vertical Market Manager at Siemens Smart Infrastructure; Michael Stelter, Deputy CEO at Fraunhofer Institute IKTS Dresden; and Tristan Fischer, Founder and Group CEO of Fischer Farms.
What mistakes were made previously? There was a strong emphasis on improving efficiency across all aspects of production rather than focusing solely on the cultivation facility. Where should it start? Location emerged as a key factor, closely tied to the availability of renewable energy, as well as the potential for co-generation or using waste streams. Logistics also plays a crucial role, raising questions like: how can we efficiently transport produce to a distributor or, preferably, directly to the consumer?
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Jasper van Dijke and Marcel Kloesmeijer with Viscon focusing were talking about how Viscon's automated insect production line allows for full automation
Balancing energy and costs
The event primarily highlighted the benefits of co-locating greenhouses and vertical farms near other plants or production facilities to create synergies. Examples included sharing waste streams or utilizing surplus energy or heat. Recognizing the potential of these sustainable approaches in CEA, Eva explained that Brave Industries is developing sustainable hubs to combine renewable energy, data centers, logistics, and more.
"The main renewable energy sources in Germany are photovoltaics, onshore and offshore wind, hydropower, and bioenergy. The installed capacity is expected to grow five-fold over the next 25 years. There's also a shift toward electric heat pumps, which will drive demand for more energy," says Frank Grewe, CTO of 2G Energy AG. Frank anticipates that H2CHPs (hydrogen-fueled combined heat and power systems) will play a significant role, thanks to their ability to supply both heat and CO₂. "If you run an H2CHP on renewable energy, you can achieve a carbon footprint of zero grams of CO₂ per kWh," he explains.
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Bob Persoon and Annet van der Ven with Beekenkamp BV showcasing insect crates, instead of packaging for horticulture in which the firm specializes too
The Genap team was highlighting their storage specialties for biogas, water, and more. "Farmers are looking to store water more and more due to scarcity," said Roel Robbers (right)
Tristan Fischer emphasized that Fischer Farms is utilizing various renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, to power its farms. "There are many additional opportunities to collaborate with other industries for mutual benefits in food production and shared energy use," he noted. However, Tristan cautioned that, despite the advantages of partnerships, it's crucial to maintain self-sufficiency. "Create a backup! If a partner fails, you don't want to fail with them. Spread the risk."
Andy Manley from Siemens highlighted the importance of transparency. "Our goal is to enhance transparency through technology, enabling smarter infrastructure across industries and, eventually, automation—including in vertical farming." Yet, he pointed out, the sustainability goals of customers are often clear. "The focus isn't so much on the 'why' but on the 'how.' In the consumer market, there's a limited budget for a simple product like lettuce. So, we need to explore new business models and investments in technology to make a sustainable business case."
Cherry Yu and Bobo Yee of Indoor Farms YS showcased their vertical growing racks which come with integrated lighting recipes
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