Research Highlight #3: Revolutionizing Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA) with Cost-Effective, Climate-Smart Technology

To tackle the interlinked challenges of food security, sustainability, and climate change, controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) must undergo transformative, climate-smart adaptations. At the forefront of this transformation, Dr. Bahrami and his team have pioneered a scalable, cost-effective Sorption Heat Transformer technology—a breakthrough platform that redefines sustainable climate control for agriculture.

This game-changing system enables integrated cooling, heating, dehumidification, atmospheric water harvesting, and CO₂ capture/enrichment, all powered by low-grade heat sources around 90°C, with minimal electricity requirement. By efficiently converting, storing and upcycling waste heat—especially from underutilized sources like industrial processes, data centers, biomass, or solar thermal panels—this technology harnesses a renewable resource that is often readily available at minimal cost.

Taking a holistic approach, Dr. Bahrami's team has systematically enhanced efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, positioning the Sorption Heat Transformer technology for large-scale testing and commercialization. This innovation is set to redefine the economics and environmental impact of CEA, paving the way for more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.