[sholanozie]

I don't have any links to studies - I'm relying on the idea that renewable sources can contribute significantly to the overall energy requirements.

When you take into account the amount of energy required to grow food, refrigerate it, ship it halfway around the world, and distribute it to stores, surely the amount of energy required to grow food locally is inconsequential.

[grogenaut]

I'm just thinking about all of that aluminum/steel and glass you have to get to build the green houses, which you then have to heat, and wonder with the payoff term is for it.

You're still going to have to refrigerate and ship the stuff locally; Train and ship shipping are relatively cheap compared to the last mile shipping.