1/14/23, 12:46 PM Vertical Farming Faces The Same Problem As Bitcoin | by Mercedes' Lens | Medium

Open in app Get unlimited access

Mercedes' Lens
Jul 13, 2022 · 2 min read · Listen

Save

Vertical Farming Faces The Same Problem As

Bitcoin

T he advantages of vertical farming are remarkable. Growing food in controlled

environments can save up to 99% of water compared to traditional
agriculture. Using this technology can boost productivity as it increases crop yields
by up to 20 times. Besides, it eliminates the need for pesticides and allows growing
crops near where you live.

Photo by Quartz

The downside? Energy consumption.

159

https://medium.com/@gorgnimercedes/vertical-farming-faces-the-same-problem-as-bitcoin-740d74466514 1/4
1/14/23, 12:46 PM Vertical Farming Faces The Same Problem As Bitcoin | by Mercedes' Lens | Medium

It’s estimated that the average indoor farm needs 38.8 kilowatt-hours of energy to
produce one kilogram of food, which is the equivalent of doing your laundry 17
times. The main reason for using that much power is to maintain the LED lights that
mimic the sun and keep the temperature stable.

Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, currently consumes 150 terawatt-hours

of electricity annually, more than the entire population of Argentina. Producing that
much energy leads to releasing 65 megatons of CO2 into the atmosphere annually -
comparable to the emissions of Greece.

Photo by Getty Images

In both cases, we’re talking about technologies that are going to shape the future of
our planet. They are innovative solutions that can change the way we live
significantly. However, they both face energy-consumption problems that have to
be solved in order to succeed.

Some companies have taken note though and use technology to solve issues one
more time. That’s the case of Bowery Farms, which uses thermal insulation and
solar and low-impact hydro as power sources. Their Maryland and New Jersey farms

https://medium.com/@gorgnimercedes/vertical-farming-faces-the-same-problem-as-bitcoin-740d74466514 2/4
1/14/23, 12:46 PM Vertical Farming Faces The Same Problem As Bitcoin | by Mercedes' Lens | Medium

run 100% on low-impact renewable energy which allows them to avoid using 30MM
lbs of CO2 annually.

Photo by Bowery Farming

Here’s to a brighter future, with more technology and less CO2 emissions. Bon
appétit!

Sources:

https://medium.com/@gorgnimercedes/vertical-farming-faces-the-same-problem-as-bitcoin-740d74466514 3/4
1/14/23, 12:46 PM Vertical Farming Faces The Same Problem As Bitcoin | by Mercedes' Lens | Medium

Why indoor farming needs to seize the energy efficiency opportunity —

Agrifood Tech News

Why Does Bitcoin Use So Much Energy? — Forbes

Cryptocurrency’s Dirty Secret: Energy Consumption — Columbia Climate School

Vertical Farming Advantages You Should Know About — Bowery Farming

Agriculture Technology Crypto Energy Food

https://medium.com/@gorgnimercedes/vertical-farming-faces-the-same-problem-as-bitcoin-740d74466514 4/4