Digital Tomatoes_PoC

Purpose and goal:

The purpose is that a full-scale test bed will be built to test and evaluate technology for transfer of residual heat and urban cultivation as well as to develop business models for urban greenhouse cultivation of vegetables. The parts of the facility are in place and the test bed is expected to be operational during January 2024.

The goal is that the facility is in operation by autumn 2023, a so-called PoC (Proof of Concept) at Digitala Tomater in connection with Göteborg Energis´s existing modular data center in Backa on Hisingen in Gothenburg. The goal has been met, only a little late. Expected results and effects:

The facility enables local production of vegetables most of the year, different cultivation techniques is tested. Growing in natural light, generated by the greenhouse, greatly reduces the need for artificial light (LED). Electricity savings are made compared to growing in 100% LED lighting. In order to be able to grow most of the year in a low-insulated greenhouse, heating is required, using residual heat from the Data Centre. We test and develop business models for urban growers.

The facility is expected to be in operation from January 2024 when cultivation and measurements can begin. Approach and implementation:

In 2023, a greenhouse for growing vegetables was built in connection with a data center. Building permission was granted in February 2023 and procurement of greenhouses and contractors followed. During the autumn, the greenhouse was built and it was ready in November.

Various installations remain. When the facility is in operation, it will be managed by Göteborgs Stad and leased to local growers. Administration, construction and procurement took considerably more time than estimated. It looks like it will be a really good facility to test heat recovery and cultivation techniques.