Evaluating the relation between energy use and tomato yield of greenhouses in Qatar

Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) systems, including greenhouses and indoor vertical farms, offer significant potential for boosting food production. However, they are challenged by their energy-intensive climate control and lighting systems. To ensure sustainability and reduce carbon footprints, this paper emphasizes the need for prioritizing energy efficiency. The primary focus of this paper is to optimize tomato growth in greenhouses in Qatar while correlating tomato yield with electricity usage through a mathematical model. This relationship is evaluated using a bi-objective optimization model and the corresponding Pareto Front. Real-world data is applied in a case study, providing valuable insights into this relationship. The study underscores the significance of energy-efficient practices in greenhouse operations and highlights the potential for sustainable food production in controlled environments. It also addresses the economic aspect of greenhouse operations by exploring the mentioned relationship. It highlights that optimizing energy usage can lead to increased tomato production while minimizing costs, underscoring the economic benefits of energy-efficient practices in controlled-environment agriculture. In addition, the paper provides some policy recommendations for efficient use of greenhouses in Qatar.