nary a photon is wasted = (一滴さえ)無駄にしない、使い切る、

The interest of investors is growing just as technology promises to turn vertical-farming operations into efficient “plant factories”. The high-tech LEDS in IGS’s demonstration unit are optimised so that nary a photon is wasted. The hydroponics, and recycling that supports them, mean the only water lost from the system is that which ends as part of one of the plants themselves.

Horticulture - Growing brighter The Economist August 31 2019 園芸の最先端技術

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