Vertical farming — a solution for Norway
FlexiFarm's mission is to make vertical farming (growing food indoors in stacked layers) a sustainable and profitable solution for Norway. The focus is on reducing energy costs, which are a major challenge for vertical farms while creating new opportunities for these farms to earn revenue.
Integration with Norway's energy system
The key idea is to transform vertical farms into more than just food production units. By integrating them with Norwayʼs energy system, these farms can act as "bio-batteries," helping to stabilize the energy grid while continuing to grow nutritious food. This innovative approach creates a win-win situation: farms save on energy costs and become profitable, while the energy grid becomes more stable and efficient.
Study changes in lighting and temperature
To achieve this, FlexiFarm will study how plants in vertical farms respond to changes in lighting and temperature. This knowledge will be used to develop an advanced decision-making tool that helps farms manage their energy use efficiently and participate in the energy market. With this tool, vertical farms can adjust their energy consumption based on market conditions, reducing energy expenses by up to 60 per cent.
The impact of FlexiFarm goes beyond just farming. By making vertical farms more profitable, it supports local food production, advances research in agriculture and energy systems, and contributes to sustainability goals.
FlexiFarm is a collaboration between leading institutions and businesses, including NTNU, SINTEF, NMBU, the Swedish Environmental Research Institute, the Agricultural University of Athens, and three Norwegian vertical farming companies: Avisomo, ONNA, and Vertical Agri. Together, this team is working to reshape the future of food and energy in Norway.
