Key Takeaways:
- CalNEXT Initiative Launch: CalNEXT has partnered with Energy Resources Integration (ERI) to explore electric technologies in agriculture, aiming for a decarbonized future in California.
- Focus on Smart Controls: The project emphasizes the integration of lighting, HVAC, and irrigation control systems, intending to develop a technology roadmap and identify utility rebate programs for smart environmental controls.
- Comprehensive Collaboration: Collaborating with Microclimates and the Cornell University GLASE consortium, the study involves surveys, interviews, and field demonstrations to evaluate smart control technologies in agriculture.
- Goals of Energy Efficiency and Adoption: Aiming to illustrate the potential for energy savings and address adoption barriers, the project seeks solutions to expedite technology transfer and maximize efficiency.
- Support for a Sustainable Future: The initiative reflects a concerted effort to enhance energy efficiency in controlled environment agriculture, contributing to California’s sustainability and decarbonization objectives.
Vision and Objective
“CalNEXT’s vision is to identify emerging technology trends and bring commercially available technologies to the energy efficiency program portfolio,” remarked CalNEXT Program Implementers. The initiative symbolizes a strategic endeavor to support California’s shift towards a decarbonized and energy-efficient future, specifically within the agriculture sector.
The Study’s Framework
ERI’s “Smart Controls for Data-Driven Indoor Agriculture Field Evaluation” positions itself at the vanguard of this initiative. Targeting an intersection of technology and agriculture, the study focuses on enhancing energy efficiency through innovative environmental control technologies. This approach is seen as pivotal in transforming the energy landscape of California’s controlled environment agriculture industry.
Methodological Approach and Collaboration
Setting Benchmarks and Exploring Innovations
The study aims to “establish a baseline of controls and operations in existing California greenhouses and indoor farms,” according to Eric Noller, Principal and Founder of ERI. It’s a step towards understanding current practices, pinpointing challenges in technology adoption, and identifying energy-efficient solutions.
Collaborative Efforts for Groundbreaking Insights
With Microclimates and the Cornell University GLASE consortium as collaborators, the project leverages a blend of industry and academic expertise. “Collaborations with industry leaders such as Microclimates and GLASE are crucial,” Noller added, highlighting the significance of partnership in driving research and innovation.
Project Impact and Market Potential
Demonstrating Value and Encouraging Adoption
Through grower surveys, interviews, and field demonstrations, the initiative seeks not just to demonstrate the benefits of smart controls but also to inspire broader acceptance and implementation. “This project is a great opportunity for programs to see their full potential,” noted CalNEXT Program Implementers, emphasizing the role of empirical evidence in fostering innovation.
Future Directions and Expectations
“The ERI team is thrilled to lead this groundbreaking project,” shared Eric Noller, expressing enthusiasm for the potential impacts of their research. Similarly, Neda Vaseghi, CEO and Founder of Microclimates, conveyed a strong commitment to the project’s success, stating, “We feel immensely privileged to contribute to this pivotal project.”
