19 NOVEMBER 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Strawberry Fields Whenever Adapted from Information by Freshbay A Canadian company based in Calgary, Alberta, believes it has found a solution to the country’s need for green energy and local fruit and vegetable production. Freshbay is launching a large-scale, deep geothermal-powered, 19-acre controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility in Hinton, Alberta. The project will use cutting-edge vertical farming technologies, greenhouses, and scientific horticulture procedures to create 100% sustainable operations to grow herbs, strawberries, and tropical fruits year-round. The project will be the first of its kind in North America to harness geothermal energy to mass produce in remote regions. The company has formed strategic partnerships with the following companies: B Novus Earth Energy has signed on as a strategic partner to manage drilling, installation, and maintenance of the geothermal wells. B Canada Banana Farms, a leading producer of exotic fruits, will manage growing fresh fruits while prioritizing sustainability. B 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 said, “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.” The company also signed an agreement with Affinor Growers Inc., a developer of vertical farming technologies. As part of the agreement, Freshbay will construct a state-of-the-art geothermal agricultural site spanning approximately 864,000 square feet of greenhouse facilities. Using Affinor’s cutting-edge technologies, Freshbay will focus on the cultivation and commercialization of its Affrinoira Fragaria strawberries, known for their exceptional taste and quality. Under the agreement, Affinor will provide Freshbay with the necessary products and services to support strawberry production at the site, including the installation of 17,530 vertical hydroponic towers, 34 polycarbonate Atlantis greenhouses, and an automated irrigation and fertilization system. This partnership will further demonstrate the company’s committment to advancing sustainable indoor farming practices. By harnessing geothermal energy and other innovative technologies, the company will be able to deliver fresh, healthy, and locally sourced produce to consumers while minimizing its environmental footprint. The company is also using cogeneration technology to generate offgrid electricity by burning natural gas and capturing the exhaust CO2, while harvesting heat from the process. The new CEA facility in Alberta, is expected to begin operations in January 2024. GEO
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