041 - CO2 Solutions for Cannabis: From Commercial Cultivation to Innovative Technologies with David Goodnack

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• In this episode of Cultivation Elevated, hosts Michael Williamson and Anders Peterson are joined by David Goodnack from Plant CO2 to discuss the crucial role of CO2 in cannabis cultivation, particularly in commercial vertical farming. They explore the technicalities of CO2 systems, focusing on the transition from small-scale home grow setups to large-scale commercial applications that use liquid CO2 stored in cryogenic tanks. David shares his insights on the challenges growers face in sourcing and designing effective CO2 systems and how his company, Plant CO2, was created to fill a gap in the industry. The conversation also touches on the emerging potential of direct air capture technologies, creative CO2 solutions like co-locating with breweries, and the importance of educating growers early on in the design process. Personal anecdotes from David, including his passion for surfing and skydiving, add a lighthearted touch to the discussion.

•    • Introduction:
• This episode is hosted by Michael Williamson and Anders Peterson, discussing CO2 design in vertical farming and its importance for cannabis and food production.
• Guest: David Goodnack from Plant CO2.
• CO2 in Commercial Cultivation:
• CO2 is essential for plant growth, especially in commercial cannabis cultivation.
• Discusses the importance of CO2 systems in sealed environments like indoor grow rooms.
• Commercial systems use liquid CO2, stored in cryogenic tanks, compared to smaller, less efficient systems used in home grows.
• CO2 Distribution:
• Importance of designing CO2 distribution systems to ensure proper levels in all grow rooms.
• CO2 distribution must be precise to avoid creating microclimates within rooms.
• Liebig’s Law of the Minimum:
• CO2 is a limiting factor for growth, but its impact is only significant when other factors (e.g., light, nutrients) are optimized.
• CO2 Equipment and Tank Rentals:
• Discussion on CO2 tank sizes and costs (e.g., a 6-ton cryogenic tank can cost around $90,000).
• CO2 companies make money through tank rentals and the price of CO2, which depends on delivery and distribution costs.
• Options to rent or purchase tanks, but rental is often more economical.
• Challenges with CO2 Systems:
• Challenges faced by commercial growers in finding the right CO2 systems, leading to the creation of Plant CO2 by David.
• The importance of the right equipment to avoid issues with CO2 loss and inefficient systems.
• Direct Air Capture vs. Liquid CO2:
• Introduction to direct air capture machines, which pull CO2 from the air and are currently less viable due to high energy consumption and costs.
• Liquid CO2 remains the more reliable and cost-effective option for commercial growers at this time.
• Innovative CO2 Solutions:
• Examples of creative CO2 solutions, like co-locating cannabis grows with breweries to capture CO2 from fermentation.
• Discussion of using combined heat and power (CHP) systems to capture CO2 in greenhouses, especially in places like the Netherlands.
• Education and Market Gaps:
• Education gaps in the cannabis industry regarding CO2 needs, with growers often neglecting CO2 systems until late in the design process.
• David’s frustration with the industry led to the creation of Plant CO2 to provide better solutions and education for cannabis growers.
• Personal Insight:
• David shares his personal interests, including his love for surfing and skydiving, and discusses the connections between engineers and hobbies like surfing.
• Contact Information:
• David is easily reachable via his website, PlantCO2.com, where customers can get quotes within 24 hours.

This episode highlights the complexity of CO2 systems, the importance of proper design and equipment, and the emerging potential of new technologies in CO2 capture for cultivation.

ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED:

If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their own path to success. Brought to you by Pipp Horticulture.

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