By: Kelsey Anderson

Feb 13, 2024

DEKALB, Ill. — In early December 2023, a 40-foot by 8-foot container was delivered to Northern Illinois University (NIU) behind Anderson Hall.

While resembling a standard shipping container, the unit houses a complete hydroponic farming system.

This project, titled "Hydropod," is a collaboration between ComEd and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

Its objective is to analyze data from containerized hydroponic systems located across the country, with the aim of optimizing year-round production of nutritious food.

NIU is one of four Chicagoland entities currently participating in this research initiative.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this collaboration between ComEd, EPRI and local nonprofits,” says Bryan Flower, NIU assistant director of food systems innovation, who coordinates the Edible Campus program.

“This unit affords us boundless educational and research opportunities for NIU students and faculty, as well as the area high schools we partner with. The Hydropod is the perfect complement to NIU’s traditional gardens and will advance the university’s focus on improving food systems and fighting food insecurity.”

According to NIU Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer Rena Cotsones, Ph.D., “ComEd has been a long-term partner in our efforts to build a pipeline of STEM talent in our region and bring high-quality science, technology, engineering and math education to youth of all backgrounds. We’re pleased to collaborate now to address another pressing issue facing our region: the need for sustainable food systems to provide healthy food to all communities.”

“ComEd is proud to collaborate on this exciting project that will help sustainably increase access to healthy food in our communities and provide agricultural learning opportunities using this innovative farming method,” said Gil C. Quiniones, CEO of ComEd in a December 2023 press release. “By helping the agriculture industry understand how lighting, water use and other systems impact plant production, we can help expand food resource options for disadvantaged communities across the areas we serve.”

NIU and the other Chicagoland entities are participating in a 16-month study of a containerized hydroponic farm system known as the "Hydropod."

The system was provided by ComEd and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

Over the study period, data will be collected on growing conditions, energy usage, and crop yield.

This information will be used to inform the development of future containerized farming initiatives.

After the 16-month period, the Hydropod will stay at NIU to aid in both food production and research opportunities.

The produce grown in the Hydropod will be supplied to NIU dining halls and the Huskie Food Pantry.

In addition, faculty and students will have access for nutrition-related projects.

The Hydropod, built by Freight Farms, uses various technology to allow farmers to create the ideal setting for produce to thrive:

• LED Lighting

• High-Efficiency HVAC System

• Recirculating Water Pumps

• Dehumidification System

• Sensors

A custom monitoring system continuously gathers real-time data on growing conditions, facilitating analysis and optimization of the system's operations. This project is part of a broader nationwide study led by EPRI, involving various utility companies.

The collected data and analysis will be publicly available, contributing to the advancement of indoor food production under diverse climatic conditions.

“We’re excited to be in conversations with the other Chicago area organizations that will be managing their own hydropod systems,” Flower adds. “Organizations such as Grow Greater Englewood, the Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative and the Young Men’s Educational Network of Lawndale are working to fight food deserts in their neighborhoods. We’re excited to continue growing our connections to nonprofits in the region who share our mission to make nutritious, sustainably grown food accessible to all residents.”