Electric Cooperatives, Research Groups Collaborate With University of Florida to Celebrate ‘Smart Garden’ Ribbon Cutting

August 19, 2024 - Clay Electric Cooperative (Clay Electric), Seminole Electric Cooperative (Seminole), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), have come together to host a ribbon-cutting event for a new indoor agriculture research project in Citra, Florida.

The goal of this project is to understand the operational, technological, economic, community, sustainability, and environmental characteristics and impacts that indoor agriculture may have on the electric grid, and to support sustainable communities.

The indoor agriculture facility - a 40-foot-long shipping container equipped with efficient HVAC, pumping, dehumidification, lighting, and app based computerized control - was successfully installed at UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) on Jan. 24, 2024.

"As a local electric cooperative, we are pleased to be a partner because much of our community's economy is based on forestry and agriculture. We are excited by the opportunity to research a process to create new ways for our local farmers to grow their crops year-round and to provide fresh, locally grown produce," said Kathy Richardson, Clay Electric communications manager.

"Seminole is proud to have the opportunity to work with Clay Electric, UF/IFAS, and EPRI to bring another indoor agriculture project to Florida," said Lisa Johnson, Seminole's CEO and General Manager. "This Smart Garden is not only a way to continue our focus on efficient electrification initiatives, but it also supports our values as an electric cooperative. One of the seven cooperative principles is 'Concern for Community' and together we are putting that into practice by donating the harvested lettuce from the facility to the Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry through UF."

Indoor agriculture is a method of growing crops or plants, usually on a large scale, entirely indoors. This method of farming often implements growing methods such as hydroponics and utilizes recirculatory pumping, water management, and artificial lights to provide plants with the nutrients and light levels required for growth. This allows for plants to be cultivated year-round regardless of outdoor conditions.

"It's essentially a shipping container similar to one used to ship goods from Asia or Europe to the United States," said James Boyer, PSREU director of research administration. Boyer said he expects the garden to produce 500 heads of lettuce a week, and the food will be transported to Gainesville for use by the Hitchcock Field and Fork Pantry on the UF campus.

"Indoor agriculture is a rapidly emerging industry across the U.S. Within the indoor agriculture industry, we are seeing a rapid evolution of efficient and innovative designs, technologies, and solutions that help deliver nutritional crops year-round to the community they reside in," said David Porter, vice president of electrification and sustainable energy strategy at EPRI, an independent, non-profit energy research and development institute. "EPRI is excited to include Seminole, Clay Electric, and IFAS in this nationwide collaborative project and explore beneficial opportunities for this indoor agriculture farm within the communities of central Florida."

Clay Electric and Seminole are two of more than 15 utilities nationwide participating in this EPRI collaborative to help utilities and society better understand indoor food production. Through automated revenue grade monitoring, researchers at EPRI will evaluate how energy loads, water use, and other controlled operational parameters and exterior conditions vary amongst these facilities and locations. This and other trackable data will also help address questions regarding distribution planning, rate design, grid initialization, site planning, and larger societal and community impacts.

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About Seminole Electric Cooperative
Based in Tampa, Florida, Seminole is one of the country's largest generation and transmission cooperatives. Its purpose is to provide essential wholesale services to nine Member electric distribution cooperatives through a balanced, diversified portfolio of safe, affordable, reliable, and responsible energy resources. Seminole and the nine Member cooperatives collectively serve 2 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties. For more information, visit https://www.seminole-electric.com.

About Clay Electric Cooperative
Clay Electric Cooperative is an incorporated, member-owned, not-for-profit electric power supplier, democratically organized and controlled by those it serves. Formally organized in 1937, the co-op has traditionally been known for its excellent service. The co-op is also a Touchstone Energy cooperative- a national alliance of local, member-owned electric cooperatives committed to high standards of service. Headquartered in Keystone Heights, Florida, the electric co-op is one of the largest in the United States. There are six district offices (Keystone Heights, Orange Park, Lake City, Gainesville, Salt Springs, and Palatka). https://www.clayelectric.com

About University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human, and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state's agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS

About EPRI
Founded in 1972, EPRI is the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, with offices around the world. EPRI's trusted experts collaborate with more than 450 companies in 45 countries, driving innovation to ensure the public has clean, safe, reliable, affordable, and equitable access to electricity across the globe. Together, we are shaping the future of energy.

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