Shaping the future with blockchain and vertical farms

In times of climate change, it is of great importance to take measures to limit the resulting effects and ensure a sustainable energy supply.
These measures are required at global, national and individual levels. ASA Automation is also trying to make its individual and best possible contribution.

In addition to measures such as reducing energy consumption and shortening supply chains, ASA Automation is also helping to reduce its CO2 footprint with two other future projects.

Project „Carbon-free production“ with Energy Web

For several years and together with the Energy Web Foundation (EWF), ASA Automation has been providing its customers with proof that low-carbon energy is used in all their machines worldwide to manufacture their products. When constructing its systems, ASA Automation pays particular attention to using sustainable energy (green energy) as far as possible - the clear goal is to produce carbon-free!

Energy Web is a global non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the energy transition by developing and delivering open-source Web3 technologies that help companies turn clean and distributed energy resources into business value.

For this purpose, Energy Web uses blockchain technology. Energy Web Chain (a central database) is one of the few public blockchains in the world whose validation nodes are operated by well-known companies such as Shell, Vodafone, VW, e-on, Engie and ASA Automation, many of which are amongst the largest and most respected energy companies worldwide.

Project "Vertical Farming"

With our second project "Vertical Farming" ASA Automation makes its contribution to environmental protection (CO2 emissions) healthy and balanced nutrition.

Vertical farms are agricultural operations that are set up in closed rooms, growing vegetables and fruit in a few square meters on several floors one above the other. The plants do not grow in soil on the ground, but are supplied with water and nutrients via a computer-controlled complex circulatory system. This type of cultivation allows all year round production of food regardless of weather conditions and offers greater control over factors such as temperature, humidity and light. By using the latest ELD technology and hydroponics vertical farms can reduce the use of pesticides and most importantly water consumption by up to 95%.

 More informationen about the Vertical Farm

EWF-Blockchain meets ASA´s Vertical Farming

The next step for ASA Automation together with the Energy Web Foundation is the merging of both projects. In the future vertical farms and blockchain technology can play a significant role in food production.

In agriculture blockchain technology could be used for decentralized and transparent management of data to improve food traceability. Every step of food production and distribution from seed quality, cultivation and harvesting to packaging and transportation could be managed through the blockchain. This could improve the integrity and safety of the food chain as consumers have the opportunity to verify the origin and quality of products - that they have been produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

In addition blockchain technology could also facilitate collaboration and information sharing between different stakeholders in the food industry. Farmers, traders, suppliers and consumers could interact with each other via the blockchain platform to share information about supply, demand, prices and quality. Smart contracts based on the blockchain could also facilitate automated trading and payments between parties.

The technology could also be used to manage energy flows in a vertical farm. By linking renewable energy sources, energy storage and consumers in a blockchain network, energy consumption could be optimized and efficient use of renewable energies enabled.

In conclusion, the combination of vertical farms and blockchain technology could lead to more efficient and transparent food production and distribution. Vertical farming would allow us to produce more food locally and sustainably while blockchain technology would help us ensure food traceability and quality. 

This brings ASA Automation - together with the Energy Web Foundation - a step closer to their long-term goal of becoming a “regenerative” company with zero CO2 emissions by 2033.