Keeping up with energy demands across the United States and the world is becoming extremely challenging.
With more electronic devices than people, it is easy to see how power consumption is rising all over.
Commercial marijuana grows are also contributing significantly to the rise in energy use. Large-scale grows are making a measurable impact on overall electric use and are putting a strain on our grid. According to Bloomberg News, “facilities in the 23 states where marijuana is legal are responsible for greenhouse-gas emissions almost equal to those of every car, home and business in New Hampshire.” Pennsylvania is the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana, however, their program is not up and running just yet.
The City Council of Hillsboro, Oregon, has approved new regulations that permit licensed medical marijuana providers to operate legally within city limits. The new rules also pave the way for an energy efficient commercial marijuana grow facility.
Walnut Industrial Park is planning on constructing a centralized commercial marijuana grow facility that will maximize energy use and reduce the strain on the electrical grid. According to the facility’s web page, the 130,000 square foot indoor grow would include:
● All spaces will be fully built out. (Turn Key)
● Maximum use of energy efficiencies
● Optimal use of space for maximum production
● Centralized Utility services; Compressor water, CO2, Filtered or RO water
● 4000 amps of 3 phase 480 power
● Proposed 2 megawatt solar array micro grid on roof
The space would also include many other features including an emergency power backup system, air purification, CCTV recording, and a 2 megawatt solar array on the roof to help offset some of the power used in the facility.
Walnut Industrial is hoping this can be the template for future commercial grows. Marijuana may be able to provide safer recreational options and medical relief, but moving forward, it is crucial to ensure that it does not bring too much strain on our infrastructure.
