Freshbay Inc. is launching a large-scale, deep earth geothermal-powered, 19-acre controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility in Hinton, Alberta. It’s expected to be up and running in January 2024.
The project will use cutting-edge vertical farming technologies, greenhouses, and scientific horticulture procedures to grow herbs, strawberries and tropical fruits year-round.
The project will be the first of its kind in North America to harness deep earth geothermal energy to mass produce in remote regions. Freshbay is set to provide a major boost to the local economy, specifically by creating a projected 450 new full-time jobs.
The project will be the first of its kind in North America to harness deep earth geothermal energy
Freshbay has strategic partnerships with the following companies:
- Novus Earth Energy has signed on as a strategic partner to manage drilling, installation and maintenance of the geothermal wells.
- Canada Banana Farms, a leading producer of exotic fruits, will manage growing fresh fruits while prioritizing sustainability.
- F&G Strategic Partners is arranging for the establishment of an appropriate funding structure, to provide the capital debt facility for the project.
Vic Reddy, CEO of Freshbay, commented: "This geo-agriculture project is being led by a strong, passionate geothermal energy team with strategic agriculture and tech partners. They are committed to delivering innovative, sustainable, and economically viable solutions. We are thrilled to launch this large-scale, deep earth geothermal agriculture project, which has the potential to revolutionize indoor farming. By harnessing the power of geothermal energy, we can create a genuinely sustainable and efficient solution for indoor agriculture, providing fresh, healthy produce all year round."
Source: Freshbay Feb 9, 2023 news release