Agriculture company Freshbay announced this month it has reached a $29,000,000 agreement with Novus Earth to move forward on a geothermal-controlled project near Hinton.
The collaboration also involves Affinor Growers, which signed its agreement with Freshbay three weeks ago.
Freshbay describes the project as, “the marriage of closed loop geothermal energy, advanced vertical farming, and immaculate and sustainable operational practices, establishing a niche in the emerging field of GeoCEA (Geothermal Controlled Environment Agriculture).”
What will be constructed is a cutting-edge geothermal-heated, cogeneration powered, agriculture facility, spanning approximately 864,000 square feet.
“The geothermal component is the heartbeat of this project and we are thrilled to have secured the partnership with Novus Earth, and to utilize their patented closed loop geothermal technology,” said Vic Reddy, Founder and CEO of Freshbay Inc. “With their expertise and commitment to sustainable energy solutions, we are confident in our ability to create a groundbreaking facility that will redefine the GeoCEA industry.”
Initially, the project will focus on cultivating the world-renowned Affinoria Fragaria strawberries, known for their exceptional flavor, quality, and aesthetics, the company says.
These strawberries will be able to be grown year-round.
“We are excited to collaborate with Freshbay on this forward-thinking geothermal agriculture project,” said Jeff Messner, President and Co-founder of Novus Earth. “By harnessing the power of geothermal energy, we are not only revolutionizing indoor farming but also driving sustainability in the agriculture sector. We look forward to the positive impact this GeoCEA project will have on the industry and the local community.”
Specifically, the project will be located just east of Obed Summit, about 100 km west of Edson, and 22 km east of Hinton; and nearby Novus Earth’s future geothermal well site.
Construction of the facility is expected to begin in the back half of 2023, with plans for full operation by summer 2024.
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