Murdoch University is blazing a trail for sustainable development, with a new grant set to fund a feasibility study for a solar glass greenhouse in Qatar.
The research will be led by Murdoch University researchers with collaborators from Qatar University and will involve designing and optimising a greenhouse system that caters to the specific climate of the Arabian Peninsula.
Due to its dry weather conditions, Qatar faces specific challenges such as water scarcity when it comes to food crop production.
Lead chief investigator Dr Ali Arefi from Harry Butler Institute said the optimal greenhouse would enable year-round crop cultivation considering factors such as energy-efficiency, climate control and crop growth strategies.
Advanced features such as cooling systems and renewable energy utilisation will be incorporated in the design, as well as moisture absorbing hydrogel to enhance resource efficiency and avoid wasting water.
The greenhouse will be transformed into a microgrid blended with an energy storage system that can operate as a standalone energy system,” Dr Arefi said.
In addition to its water efficiency, the greenhouse design features heat pump-based cooling and heading systems and advanced AI-based crop growth control.
The project will contribute to a self-sufficient food supply while ensuring environmental resilience in the agricultural sector in Qatar.
Pest and disease management through the greenhouse’s controlled environment will also help to reduce the use of harmful chemicals.
Dr Arefi said the implementation of the proposed greenhouse system following the feasibility study would have impacts beyond just the environment.
He said the system would have a “significant social and health impact” by providing a reliable and consistent source of fresh produce at a lower price, helping to address food shortages while promoting healthier eating habits.
It will also improve the community’s mental health as people will be less worried about the lack of food supply.”
With the future of fresh food production in danger, Dr Arefi said the time for implementing this technology was now for Qatar to reduce dependence on imported food and increase self-sufficiency without harmful environmental consequences.
The $500,000 grant from the Qatar National Research Fund will facilitate the multiple facets of the design and feasibility study.
If successful, the design could be adopted by countries in arid regions around the world where food security remains a top priority.
Murdoch University introduced its own world-first solar glass greenhouse, constructed by ClearVue Technologies, in 2021.
In just two years, it offset nearly 40 per cent of energy consumption.