The University of Tasmania is investing in the future of Australian agriculture with the development of a state of the art research greenhouse complex at its Newnham Campus in Launceston.

As part of the new Tasmanian Agricultural Precinct, this purpose built facility will support leading research in crop production, sustainable farming, water management, biosecurity and horticultural innovation. It will also provide students with practical experience using the latest commercial growing technologies, helping prepare the next generation of researchers and industry professionals.

Powerplants is proud to have partnered with the University of Tasmania to deliver the advanced climate, automation and growing technologies that bring this vision to life.

Designed for research excellence

Unlike a commercial greenhouse, a research facility must provide complete flexibility. Researchers need to create different growing conditions, accurately repeat trials and collect reliable data across multiple projects at the same time.

The new facility enables researchers to:

• Conduct multiple independent research trials simultaneously
• Precisely control climate, lighting and irrigation
• Collect reliable environmental and crop data
• Support research, teaching and industry collaboration
• Prepare students using commercial greenhouse technology

Powerplants’ complete solution

Powerplants will deliver a fully integrated greenhouse solution featuring:

• Priva climate control and automation
• Integrated HVAC systems
• Philips / Signify LED lighting
• Automated shade and blackout screens
• High pressure fogging and humidity control
• Irrigation and fertigation systems
• CO₂ dosing and environmental monitoring
• Fully integrated electrical and control systems

Every research compartment can be independently controlled, allowing researchers to create highly specific growing environments for a wide range of projects.

Why it matters

Agricultural research helps develop practical solutions for challenges such as climate resilience, water efficiency and sustainable food production. Facilities like the TIA Grow Facility give researchers and students access to commercial greenhouse technology in a controlled environment where new ideas can be tested and refined.

Since 2023, Powerplants has worked closely with the University of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and project partners to design, engineer and integrate this complete turnkey greenhouse solution. Bringing together climate control, irrigation, lighting, HVAC, water treatment and automation into one integrated facility has been central to the project.

When complete, the facility will support important agricultural research while helping train the next generation of researchers and industry professionals. Powerplants is proud to play a part in delivering infrastructure that will benefit Tasmanian and Australian agriculture for years to come.

To learn more about this project contact;

Alastair Mclean

Commercial Director

T: +61 3 8795 7750

M: 0405 761 045

E: Alastair.McLean@powerplants.com.au

W: www.powerplants.com.au

Article Source – Powerplants Bi-Monthly Newsletter | Powerplants Australia – Greenhouse Technology Equipment Supplier