Dutch greenhouse growers applied for a sum of 78 million euros in subsidies within the subsidy program 'Energie-efficiëntie Glastuinbouw' (EG), which translates to 'Energy efficient Greenhouse horticulture.' Among others, switching to LED has been given as a reason behind the application. Certain requirements have to be met so that energy saving also takes place, but according to Ademo of LNV, these requirements are legitimate. He states this in reply to questions from members of parliament.
The total budget available is 60 million euros. The application deadline was at the end of June. Growers are given a new opportunity to apply for subsidies in 2023. Last week, in answer to a question from members of parliament, Adema also indicated that the budget could not be raised further for this year.
LED lighting to save energy
Member of the Dutch House of Parliament Valstar asked the VVD the questions. He also wants to know from the minister whether it's correct that around 40% can be saved on energy by using LEDs compared to SON-T lighting. More so, why, for the cultivation of, for example, tomatoes, a max power of 88 watts per square meter is calculated while growers are used to growing with 100 watts per square meter.
Regarding the latter, Adema replies: "The subsidy program is aimed at saving energy. With subsidy for switching SON-T lighting for LED lighting, this is determined with a minimum requirement for light-efficiency of LED lighting in combination with a maximum requirement for the wattage per square meter of that lighting. Switching SON-T lighting for LED lighting ensures that the wattage can be lowered, while the amount of light that is important to the growers during production doesn't need to decrease as well."
Valstar points out that the subsidiary requirement of maximum power in LED lighting in practice leads to a limitation in maximum production capacity of a greenhouse, making growers forgo the switch to LED. The minister denies this and points out the excess in the application period of 2022. "Demand for the program doesn't show that horticulturists forgo the switch to LED lighting."
The minister specifies that the requirement for LED is equal to 80% of the power of SON-T that is applied per crop, according to the periodical Kwantatieve Informatie (KWIN) Glastuinbouw 2019 of Wageningen UR. Furthermore, sessions of participation have been organized with the sector and suppliers of LED lighting regarding subsidy criteria in the program. A work group for the program includes, besides LNV and RVO, also Glastuinbouw Nederland.
Source: Ministerie LNV