CHP-Linked Strawberry Vertical Farm for Underutilized Spaces & Buildings

Model overview

The purpose is not simply to install a farm inside a building, but to examine how unused indoor space can be converted into a productive, energy-integrated and experience-oriented facility.

It combines premium strawberry production with CHP-linked energy utilization — heat recovery, reheat, hot water supply and potential CO₂ utilization. Where existing building HVAC or FCU systems are available, their use can also be reviewed as part of the farm's cooling and air-circulation strategy.

Model structure

The model connects space, production, energy and experience in one loop.

• Underutilized space & building use — convert vacant indoor space into a productive strawberry vertical farm
• Premium strawberry production — controlled temperature, humidity, airflow, lighting, irrigation and CO₂ management
• CHP energy integration — heat recovery, reheat, hot water supply and potential CO₂ utilization
• Existing HVAC / FCU review — reuse available systems for cooling support and air circulation
• AlphaCafe & experience linkage — connect the farm with AlphaCafe, dessert and visitor experience programs

Business review basis (Core 5 / Core 10)

The model is reviewed on Core 5 and Core 10 configurations, with production capacity, energy use, CHP capacity, CAPEX and payback evaluated per site. The figures below are estimates under standard assumptions and may vary with cultivar, cultivation stability, CO₂ utilization, sales channel, CHP quotation, existing HVAC/FCU conditions and site-specific construction requirements.

• Annual production — Core 5: 40.3 tons · Core 10: 80.6 tons
• Total revenue — Core 5: SGD 1.21 m · Core 10: SGD 2.42 m
• EBITDA — Core 5: SGD 0.50 m · Core 10: SGD 0.99 m
• Simple payback (incl. CHP, total investment) — Core 5: ~7.9 yrs · Core 10: ~7.3 yrs
• Simple payback (excl. CHP, farm CAPEX) — both ~4.3 yrs
• Recommended CHP capacity — Core 5: 50–60 kWe · Core 10: 100–120 kWe
• Assumption — Core 1 = 5,376 plants × 1.5 kg/plant ≈ 8.1 tons/year, premium strawberry ≈ SGD 30/kg

Application

This model may suit building owners, developers, operators or local partners reviewing new uses for underutilized indoor spaces, vacant commercial buildings, business-park facilities or other large indoor assets.

AlphaFarm provides feasibility review, system planning and project-structuring support based on the actual conditions of each site.