A solar powered food-producing laboratory at Bermuda College is a step closer to completion with help from the private sector – and will offer courses in aquaponics to the public this coming autumn.

Aquaponics, the science of growing plants in water and breeding fish in tanks, started at the college at the end of 2018.

Oakley Capital Investments, a private equity firm, is financially supporting the project, with an upgraded lab named after the company.

Its next objective will be to get the system fully operational at the completion of phase II of the project, when it will yield 900 lettuce and vegetable plants a year, along with more than 100lb of fish.

Aquaponics, an environmentally friendly way of producing food, has engaged students from disciplines including earth sciences, applied technology, engineering and maths – as well as carpentry, electrical systems and plumbing.

Joseph Weeks, technical education instructor at the college, earned the 2021 National Energy Globe Award for the project from the environmental group Energy Globe Foundation.

The Bermuda College Foundation this week announced the completion of phase I of the project for what is now the Oakley Capital Investments Aquaponics Lab.

Garry Madeiros, chairman of the foundation, said the lab “serves to provide a unique educational experience, while also providing an avenue to address the need for sustaining Bermuda’s food security”.

The lab got an upgraded aquaponics system, with courses on the food science beginning through the College’s Athora Professional and Career Education Division in the autumn semester.

Phase II will be the completion of a purpose-built facility to boost production, which will be operated by students as a small business.

The college said it would serve as “a living laboratory for the small business management and entrepreneurial courses”.

A greenhouse at the facility will add hydroponics to the college’s curriculum.

Fiona Beck, director of Oakley’s board, said the company was proud to back a new and innovative programme.

“This food sustainability project effectively combines technology with education to inspire talented Bermudians,” she said.

Duranda Greene, president of Bermuda College, said: “Food security is becoming an important component for economies navigating their response to global warming and climate change for the future.

“Bermuda College is grateful to the Bermuda College Foundation and Oakley Capital Investments for assisting the Technical Education Department in upgrading its home-grown aquaponics lab to a more efficient and sustainable commercial system.”

Donors interested in helping the college can reach the foundation at 239-4001 or visit its website online.