Sustainable indoor cultivation at depth of 40 meters in a former mine Vaxa, Sweden About In a former limestone quarry in Sweden, 40 meters underground, Certhon has realized a unique indoor farm in cooperation with VAXA, Iceland’s largest producer of leafy vegetables. This high-tech growing location marks a new chapter in sustainable agriculture, where technology and creativity have been brought together in a special way. Crop Leafy greens, herbs and microgreens Size 800 m² Location Örebro, Sweden Type Indoor farm, hydroponics Client Vaxa Unique results With every project, we give everything we have. We think along and we think further. In this project, too, that results in special highlights: Smart design in limited space The cultivation corridor of ten meters wide and one hundred meters deep was carefully designed and adjusted several times for optimal utilization. The biggest challenge: the limited height of five meters, which meant that not all transport could go inside. Thanks to the expertise of Certhon's engineers, the start-up went smoothly and successfully. Efficient logistics with roll tables VAXA uses roller tables to smoothly transport plants through the cultivation corridor. This innovation reduces physical labor, speeds up processes and optimizes space utilization, contributing to efficient and streamlined production in the underground facility. Advanced hydroponics VAXA grows leafy vegetables, herbs and microgreens via hydroponics, where plants grow on water. Without a direct water supply, water is cleverly managed with reservoirs and a custom-made irrigation system. With innovative software, watering can be easily adjusted. Advanced LED lighting VAXA uses advanced LED lighting. This optimizes photosynthesis and crop growth, increases yields and reduces energy consumption. Light settings can be adjusted for each growing stage for efficient and consistent production. Efficient water management VAXA's circular irrigation system captures and reuses all water in cultivation. This minimizes water consumption and supports sustainable agriculture even in the underground facility. A connected water supply has since been realized in the cave, but during construction, water was brought in by trucks. The cave serves as a natural cooling water basin. An environmentally friendly approach to indoor farming. Towards a sustainable future Since September, VAXA has been producing sustainable, fresh leafy vegetables for Scandinavian retailers. By reviving an old mine, Certhon and VAXA are actively contributing to a sustainable future, driven by innovation and shared values. Interested? Also a great result for your company? Get in touch, our international team is ready to help you: +31 174 225080. John van der Sande Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) Martin Veenstra Sales Consultant