Greenhouse horticulture’s approach of the energy issue is unique in the Netherlands, according to Ruud Lubbers, chairman of the jury of the design competition ‘Greenhouse as Energy Source’. Lubbers commended the intensive collaboration between industry, research and government during the meeting at the occasion of the conclusion of the design competition ‘Energy Producing Greenhouse’. Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture visualised the performance of these three greenhouse prototypes.
The three most promising designs of the design competition have been constructed on the site of Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture in Bleiswijk. This resulted in the Innovation and Demo Centre (IDC). Three consortia, consisting of greenhouse builders, suppliers and scientists have in close cooperation realised this Centre. The results of the study and the energy performance of the three prototypes were presented by Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture during the concluding meeting.
Less than expected
Energetically as well as economically, the three prototypes performed less than expected on the basis of advance calculations for the various designs. The lower energy performances can be ascribed to the fact that the assumptions were too optimistic. Partly, the disappointing economical performances can be ascribed to this as well. Another point is that the energy market has developed differently than expected. In addition, a number of components of the greenhouses were much more expensive than budgeted.
Although under the current market conditions the prototypes will not be scaled up for commercial use, the participants are quite satisfied. The study has demonstrated the possibilities of energy-neutral horticulture in the longer term. In addition, a number of the elements from the demonstration greenhouse will now already be finding application in Dutch horticulture. This will result in marked energy efficiency improvements.