Key Takeaways:
- VoltServer (Profile) partners with Hardee Fresh (Profile) to enhance control over indoor farming conditions, reducing electricity usage.
- Hardee Fresh is constructing a new 340,000-square-foot facility in Americus, GA, poised to be the world’s largest vertical farm.
- The collaboration focuses on utilizing Digital Electricity solutions for efficient power distribution, aiming to lower operating costs and improve sustainability.
- Hardee Fresh’s new facility will significantly reduce water usage compared to traditional farming, with an annual production goal of over 15 million heads of lettuce.
Innovative Power Solutions for Sustainable Farming
VoltServer, a leader in fault-managed power solutions, is extending its partnership with Hardee Fresh, a vertical farming pioneer, to revolutionize indoor growing practices through advanced energy efficiency and control. This collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to sustainable agriculture and technological innovation.
A Leap Towards the World’s Largest Vertical Farm
Hardee Fresh is expanding its operations with a new facility in Americus, GA. Slated for completion in 2025, the farm will span 340,000 square feet and is expected to be the largest globally. The project aims to produce over 15 million heads of lettuce annually while utilizing only 1% of the water required by conventional outdoor farming methods.
Enhanced Efficiency with Digital Electricity
By partnering with VoltServer, Hardee Fresh is transitioning from traditional AC power distribution to a more efficient, centralized DC power design. This shift will allow the new vertical farm to achieve lower operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint. VoltServer’s Digital Electricity solutions are designed to simplify and safely distribute power throughout the facility, enhancing overall energy efficiency.
Operational and Environmental Benefits
The implementation of VoltServer’s technology is expected to streamline the power distribution process, minimizing the need for extensive equipment, labor, and time typically associated with traditional systems. This efficiency gain will enable Hardee Fresh to accelerate the opening of its second vertical farm, addressing the growing demand for organic leafy greens year-round.
Expert Insights
Halton A. Peters, PhD, cofounder and president at Hardee Fresh, highlighted the benefits of the collaboration: “VoltServer enables us to meticulously manage lighting strategies and environmental conditions. Centralizing LED power supplies outside of the moist growing areas enhances airflow and heat management and significantly reduces maintenance costs due to increased LED reliability. This system offers superior remote control and monitoring capabilities for our LEDs, allowing us to optimize the growing process for higher yields and healthier crops.”
James Eaves, director of indoor agriculture at VoltServer, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing partnership: “We’re excited to continue our work with Hardee Fresh. They’ll be able to overcome many of the deployment obstacles that farm designers have struggled with for years to improve resiliency, safety, and the growing environment.”
