How much energy does an in-store farm use? Measured data from Maxi ICA Solna
In 2025 our 60 m² in-store vertical farm at Maxi ICA Stormarknad Solna, Stockholm, used 203,337 kWh of electricity and grew 151,092 plants. That is 1.35 kWh per plant and about 17 kWh per kilo for the actual crop mix – below Singapore's industry baseline of 30 kWh per kilo.
How does kWh per kg compare with other vertical farms?
Electricity per kilo of produce, growing only (no transport). Lower is better.
What did the farm grow in 2025?
Basil is the largest single crop. Herbs make up about 74 % of plants; lettuce and leafy greens 26 %.
| Crop | Plants grown | Weight per plant | Potential harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil (incl. red basil) | 41,468 | 70 g | 2,903 kg |
| Coriander | 18,777 | 50 g | 939 kg |
| Curly parsley | 16,997 | 50 g | 850 kg |
| Green crisp lettuce | 14,604 | 130 g | 1,899 kg |
| Green oak leaf lettuce | 14,197 | 130 g | 1,846 kg |
| Dill | 14,036 | 70 g | 983 kg |
| Red crystal lettuce | 9,186 | 130 g* | 1,194 kg |
| Thyme | 5,746 | 50 g | 287 kg |
| Mint | 5,405 | 60 g | 324 kg |
| Chives | 5,305 | 50 g | 265 kg |
| Thai basil | 4,234 | 50 g | 212 kg |
| Pak choi | 1,137 | 230 g | 262 kg |
| Total | 151,092 | ~79 g avg. | ~11,962 kg |
Weights are Swegreen's measured edible weights without plug. *Red crystal assumed equal to other lettuce.
How we measured
Electricity
Two meters that measure only the farm, full calendar year 2025. The store's own heating and cooling are not included. Average load: 557 kWh a day, 23.2 kW.
Weight
Plants grown per crop multiplied by measured edible weight without plug. Kilo figures use all plants grown (potential harvest). Based on plants actually harvested, the figure is about 18 kWh per kg.
Per plant, not per crop
Electricity per plant is the same for all crops at this volume. Light crops such as herbs therefore show more kWh per kilo than lettuce.
Where does the heat go?
All surplus heat from the farm warms the store – an advantage in a Nordic climate. In an air-conditioned store in a hot climate, the same heat would add to the cooling load.
Researching indoor farming? Ask us for the data.
Figures may be cited with the source "Swegreen, Maxi ICA Solna, metered data 2025".
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