Key Takeaways
- ComEd and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) marked one year of successful food production from their agriculture pod (ag pod) program, a clean-energy initiative promoting sustainable urban farming.
- The project installed four ag pods—controlled environment agriculture (CEA) farms housed in repurposed shipping containers—in Chicago’s North Lawndale, Bronzeville, and Englewood neighborhoods, and on the Northern Illinois University (NIU) campus.
- Each pod integrates LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC, recirculating water systems, and environmental sensors, demonstrating the role of energy-efficient technologies in indoor farming.
- The program combines education, community engagement, and sustainability, providing hands-on learning opportunities while addressing food insecurity.
- Over the first year, the North Lawndale ag pod alone produced nearly one ton of leafy greens and herbs, engaging more than 70 local youth in urban agriculture.
ComEd-EPRI ag pod: Energy-Efficient Farming Through CEA
The ComEd–EPRI ag pod initiative demonstrates how electrification and smart technology can support year-round local food production. Installed in late 2023, the pods operate as modular indoor farms equipped with precision-controlled lighting, temperature, humidity, and irrigation systems to optimize plant growth.
By integrating energy-efficient technologies such as LED grow lights, low-pressure water circulation, and automated HVAC and dehumidification, the program showcases how electricity can power sustainable food systems with reduced energy and water inputs.
“This program is a powerful example of how electric technologies can drive sustainable solutions,” said Dale Player, Vice President of Engineering & Smart Grid at ComEd. “With community partnerships, we’re supporting both food access and workforce development in neighborhoods that need it most.”
Collaboration Between Energy, Education, and Community
The project forms part of EPRI’s national study on the energy performance and social impact of indoor farming. ComEd is one of 16 utilities participating in this research, which aims to identify best practices for scaling controlled-environment agriculture.
Each Illinois ag pod is managed by a local partner organization:
- Young Men’s Educational Network (YMEN) in North Lawndale integrates the pod into its Garden 2 Table Pipeline, employing youth to grow and distribute produce locally.
- Northern Illinois University (NIU) uses its pod for agricultural research and student engagement through the Edible Campus program.
- Grow Greater Englewood and the Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative operate pods serving residents in their respective communities.
“After one year, we’ve produced almost a ton of nutrient-rich vegetables and employed over 70 young people,” said Michael Trout, Founder and Executive Director of YMEN. “This is more than farming—it’s education, empowerment, and a model for resilient food systems.”
Dr. Rena Cotsones, Vice President for Outreach and Regional Development at NIU, noted: “The ag pod has become a living classroom for our students, advancing research in sustainable food production while supplying fresh, locally grown produce to our campus community.”
Monitoring, Research, and Next Steps For EPRI & ComEd
Each pod is equipped with remote-control and monitoring systems that regulate lighting, temperature, and watering schedules, adapting to seasonal needs. A custom measurement and verification (M&V) platform, developed by EPRI and ComEd, continuously records data on energy loads, water use, and environmental conditions.
The data collected will inform future efforts to scale energy-efficient agriculture, helping utilities and researchers assess how electrified systems can reduce resource use while maintaining productivity.
“Controlled environment agriculture boosts yields per square foot, reduces transport energy, and optimizes water use,” said David Porter, EPRI’s Vice President of Electrification & Sustainable Energy Strategy. “These projects show how technology and collaboration can expand access to healthy food while advancing sustainability goals.”
