The Line is a proposed 170 km (110 mi) long and 5 km (3.1 mi) broad city that is part of the ambitious NEOM project in Saudi Arabia. The city, designed to be a model for sustainable urban development, aims to address issues related to traditional city development, such as congestion, pollution, and lack of open spaces. One of the critical aspects of the project is how it plans to feed its one million residents.
The Line plans to produce food using advanced technologies such as vertical farming, hydroponics, and aquaponics. These methods are designed to efficiently use resources such as water and land and enable year-round production in controlled environments. Additionally, the project aims to incorporate urban agriculture and community gardening to support local farmers and food producers.
Vertical farming, in particular, is an innovative method of food production that involves growing plants in stacked layers, often using LED lighting and controlled environments. This method allows for producing a large amount of food in a small area while reducing the use of water and pesticides. On the other hand, hydroponics and aquaponics are methods of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead.
One of the main goals of The Line’s food production system is to produce a significant portion of the food consumed within the city locally. This will not only reduce the need for transportation but also increase the resilience of the food system. In addition, the project aims to be powered entirely by renewable energy, reducing its environmental impact.
The Line’s food production system is essential to the project’s goal of creating a sustainable and self-sufficient city. By utilizing advanced technologies and supporting local farmers and food producers, The Line aims to create a food system that is both efficient and resilient.
The Line, the NEOM project’s component, is an ambitious and innovative project that addresses some of the most pressing issues facing cities today. Its plan for food production, which combines advanced technologies and local food production, is a crucial aspect of this goal and a model for sustainable urban development.
Image provided by NEOM
