The pilot project "Electrification of Agriculture using RES (PV)" is now underway at CERTH's facilities in Ptolemaida.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the pilot project "Electrification of agriculture using RES (PV)," within the framework of the European project "COALition Promoting Innovation Excellence in Transformation of Coal Regions to Climate-Neutral, Thriving Economies."

This project represents an innovative approach that combines agriculture and solar energy production within an energy-autonomous, automated, and protected vertical farming environment.

Project Objectives:

The project aims to optimize land use for agricultural production while simultaneously generating solar energy, promoting sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. This innovation contributes to clean energy production, job creation, and the establishment of a shared strategy to promote research and innovation.

Key Features:

The project proposes an experimental integration of vertical farming (VF) technology, specifically using hydroponics, in agriculture, ensuring high production efficiency compared to traditional methods. Plants grow in a vertical arrangement on retention trays with various growing substrates and use LED lighting to meet their photosynthesis needs. This setup maximizes light utilization according to the needs of each crop and ensures year-round production while minimizing pesticide and herbicide use.

Despite the expected growth of the vertical farming market, two main challenges need to be addressed:

• Economic viability: 73% of vertical farms are not sustainable, with 50% of production costs tied to energy consumption.

• Understanding VF cultivation: Growing in a controlled environment requires optimal adjustment of many parameters, presenting a barrier to fully leveraging the technology.

Project Innovations:

• Co-production of energy and agricultural products

• Reduction of carbon footprint

• Optimal use of solar radiation for crop needs

• Water savings through recycling and reuse

• Immediate installation without the need for a building permit

• Crop safety and energy storage

• Remote crop monitoring and automated reporting

• Energy autonomy for automation systems

This project marks a significant step toward sustainable development and the use of renewable energy sources, while promoting innovation and research in Greece and Europe.

The project is funded by the European Union.