It is plant lighting! Current joins JFC to create one of the largest vertical farms

Recently, GE's Current and Jones Foods Co., Ltd. (JFC) is building one of the largest vertical indoor farms in the world. Located in North Lincolnshire, England, this plant nursery will be the largest indoor farm in Europe. On the 5120 square meters of planted area, up to 420 tons of green leafy vegetables will be produced each year. The planting area is arranged on a rack of up to 11 meters. To help maximize production on vertical farms, Current is installing a new Arize* LED gardening lighting solution.

According to Current, the Arize LED horticultural lighting solution has a balanced spectrum that stimulates optimal growth of each plant, shortens growth cycles and achieves intensive production.

JFC CEO James Lloyd-Jones said, “We know that lighting will be the lifeline that can bring efficient, care-intensive food production to the farm.” “We need a partner who can see the potential and develop with us. The right lighting and spectrum make our vision a reality."

JFC worked with the Current team to develop a customized version of the Arize plant lamp that emits a combination of red, blue and white wavelengths to grow large and balanced plants flexibly and efficiently. The equipment is located in a smart clean room (or “highly care”) environment that completely isolates crops from external contaminants. Each growing area has its own water and nutrient supply.

In addition, plant nurseries will use GE's cloud data system to monitor the electricity usage of LEDs and HVAC systems. It is reported that the first batch of crop production is expected to begin this fall.