The industrial research project MEDIODÍA, which stands for Multiplication of Effort for the Development, Innovation, Optimization and Design of Advanced Greenhouses, is developing an automated greenhouse that is highly energy efficient.

The overall objective of the “Cenit Mediodía” project is to carry out strategic research in the field of agriculture under plastic, in order to develop a new concept of advanced greenhouse. This will be highly automated, efficient in terms of energy consumption and water use, and allow diverse and profitable crops to be grown at any time during the year and in different climates, through a system of integrated production.

The project includes developments in the field of materials (for the covering, structure and substrate of the greenhouse), electromechanical systems (climate control, plant movement, fertigation and carbon dioxide enrichment) and auxiliary biological systems (pollinators and integrated pest control). At the same time, it will work on the management of products (classification, processing and packaging of vegetables), by-products and waste, and on the supply of renewable energy and water to groups of greenhouses.

The project is led by Repsol YPF and includes the participation of large companies such as Acciona Solar, Acciona Agua, Ulma Agrícola, Ulma Handling Systems, Ulma Packaging, Ingeteam, Agrobío, Biomiva, Grupo AN, Fundación Cajamar, and numerous other research organizations.

The heads of the project believe it will place Spain at the forefront of agricultural technology, making it a European and worldwide leader. Further, the results will have repercussions beyond the sector itself, boosting other industrial and service activities.