When you exchange electrons for the sun, what happens to the grid?
This week, we’re talking about the energy profile of indoor plant factories.
Indoor farming is having a moment. Venture capitalists are investing hundreds of millions of dollars into vertical farming startups growing in urban, industrial facilities. Cities are easing restrictions to encourage more plant factories. And even Elon Musk’s cousin founded a vertical farm.
We’re tackling this booming business: What’s driving it, what’s the potential, and what are the energy consequences?
We’re joined by Logan Ashcraft, an indoor agriculture expert who previously served as the manager of energy & power at Plenty. She’s currently doing research on the broader impact of these operations on the energy system.
“I don’t think we have seen a load profile quite as exciting or as malleable," says Ashcraft.
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