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Energy-Efficient Technologies and Strategies for Feasible and Sustainable Plant Factory Systems

Author

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  • Hong-Seok Mun

    (Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
    Department of Multimedia Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Eddiemar Baguio Lagua

    (Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
    Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Sunchon National University, 255, Jungangno, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Seong-Ki Hong

    (Soo Energy Co., Ltd., 56, Munemi-ro 448beon-gil, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon 21417, Republic of Korea)

  • Sang-Bum Ryu

    (Soo Energy Co., Ltd., 56, Munemi-ro 448beon-gil, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon 21417, Republic of Korea
    Department of Mechanical Convergence Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea)

  • Md Sharifuzzaman

    (Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
    Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh)

  • Md Kamrul Hasan

    (Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
    Department of Poultry Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh)

  • Young-Hwa Kim

    (Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea)

  • Chul-Ju Yang

    (Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
    Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Sunchon National University, 255, Jungangno, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

The challenge of meeting the increasing global food demand has driven a shift toward controlled-environment agriculture, particularly in plant factories. However, the high energy consumption associated with these systems raises concerns about their long-term sustainability and economic feasibility. A comprehensive review was conducted to identify existing and potential technologies and strategies that can enhance the energy efficiency of plant factories. Data regarding environmental conditions, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and space efficiency were also extracted to facilitate comparison across studies. Findings indicate that optimizing crop yields and reducing energy consumption are key to improving the efficiency of plant factories. These can be achieved by integrating advanced environmental control technologies, energy-efficient system designs, modular plant factory configurations tailored to local climatic conditions, and effective management practices. While adopting renewable energy alone is insufficient to meet total energy demands, it significantly reduces energy costs and carbon emissions. Furthermore, strategically integrating plant factories with other industries will promote the efficient use of residual resources, fostering a circular economy and enhancing resource efficiency within plant factory systems and the broader economic framework. The insights provided in this review will contribute to developing sustainable and economically viable plant factory systems, supporting future advancements in controlled-environment agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Hong-Seok Mun & Eddiemar Baguio Lagua & Seong-Ki Hong & Sang-Bum Ryu & Md Sharifuzzaman & Md Kamrul Hasan & Young-Hwa Kim & Chul-Ju Yang, 2025. "Energy-Efficient Technologies and Strategies for Feasible and Sustainable Plant Factory Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-39, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3259-:d:1629018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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