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Advancing Energy-Neutral Cannabis Cultivation

Cannabis Flower Innexo BV

The quest for energy-neutral cannabis cultivation is critical for creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly industry. A recent desk study led by Dominique van Gruisen of INNEXO BV and Filip van Noort of WUR Bleiswijk explores innovative strategies for energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction in regulated medical cannabis production. In this blogpost we will go over the report's key insights and recommendations.


Cannabis Cultivation: An Energy-Intensive Practice

Cannabis cultivation, particularly indoors, demands substantial energy due to lighting and HVAC systems. The carbon footprint of cannabis production can be 50-100 times higher per square meter than greenhouse-grown tomatoes. This discrepancy highlights the need for sustainable cultivation practices.

The study identifies the main energy-intensive factors:

  • Lighting Systems: High-intensity lights for photosynthesis.

  • Climate Control: HVAC systems for temperature and humidity regulation.

  • Water and Nutrient Management: Energy-intensive irrigation systems.

  • COâ‚‚ Enrichment: Enhancing photosynthesis but at an energy cost.


Innovations for Energy Efficiency

The research highlights several high-impact strategies that could reduce energy consumption:

  1. Dynamic and Optimized Lighting: Techniques like intercanopy and subcanopy lighting boost yield while reducing energy use.

  2. Eliminating the Vegetative Phase: Transitioning rooted clones directly to the generative phase cuts electricity use by up to 40% and shortens growth cycles.

  3. Advanced HVAC Systems: Improved components and airflow designs reduce climate control costs.

  4. Renewable Energy Integration: Solar panels and biomass generators minimize dependency on fossil fuels.

  5. Biostimulants and Substrateless Systems: Hydroponics and biostimulants optimize growth with reduced resource use.

  6. F1 Hybrid Seeds: Enhance crop uniformity and energy efficiency.


Significant Findings for Energy-Neutral Cannabis Cultivation

A critical outcome of this study is the development of a calculator tool for simulating energy-saving scenarios. Trials show energy reductions of up to 70% while maintaining high yield and quality. These findings provide a pathway to significantly lower the environmental impact of cannabis cultivation.


Conclusion

Achieving energy neutrality in cannabis cultivation is within reach through innovative methodologies and collaborative efforts. However, success requires industry-wide adoption, supportive regulations, and further research.

This transformative approach positions the cannabis industry as a leader in sustainable agriculture, paving the way for an energy-efficient future.


Want to read the full report? Download it below.


This project was supported and funded by:

Min. LVVN
Kas Als Energiebron





Dit project is uitgevoerd door Innexo en Wageningen UR Business unit glastuinbouw en gefinancierd en gecoördineerd door Kas als Energiebron, een innovatieprogramma van LVVN en Glastuinbouw Nederland. Mede mogelijk gemaakt door Kennis in je Kas (KijK). De proef is gevolgd en begeleid door telers.





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