Webinar on sustainable use of energy in Polish greenhouses

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Poland organizes an online seminar on circular energy solutions dedicated to greenhouse production. The webinar is a part of Circular…

360 Energy

"Grow your margins as well as your plants"

Today, we know that so much can be done to optimize a greenhouse’s energy consumption and purchasing practices leading to improved margins. Even with this understanding, there are still some greenhouse operators who believe that controlling Energy: Makes no difference to their bottom line. Or, they are doing…

CAN: Looking to save on energy over the long term? This grant can help.

Are you a small to medium sized greenhouse (<500 employees) looking to improve your energy efficiency and bring down energy costs? Then this funding program from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) might be for you. Ss funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, it is advised to apply asap.…

Geothermal energy for greenhouse application

Mariska Dreschler with GreenTech did an interview with Marit Brommer, passionate about geothermal energy and the Executive Director of the International Geothermal Association. In the interview, they talked about:  Why is geothermal energy a logical source for greenhouses The sustainability factors of sustainable energies…

How do I overcome supply limitations in my local electricity grid?

Since the indoor agriculture sector is one of the fastest growing sources of load in Ontario, a critical issue for growers currently, is their ability to access affordable grid electricity and natural gas pipeline for their current Greenhouse operations and their facility expansion plans. Major decisions…

Eden Project

Work starts on Eden’s pioneering geothermal heat and power project

Work is due to begin on preparing the ground for Eden’s pioneering geothermal heat and power project at its Bodelva site. This is on land just inside the main Eden Project visitor gate and is a significant step in what Eden sees as a clean-energy revolution for Cornwall and the UK. After a 10-year…

UK: Ground & air source heat pumps - Navigating the RHI

Many nurseries have proved that the RHI can provide a great additional income whilst allowing for substantially lower fuel supply costs. Growers are now regularly comparing Ground & Air Source systems to the commonly used Biomass since the government have guaranteed the incentive until March 2022.…

A further 20% reduction in RHI Tariff

Ofgem has continued to cut the RHI tariff rate for large water/ground source heat pumps (100 kWth and above). The latest digression will come into force on the 01 October and will see the tariff reduced by a further 20%. Over the last three quarters of the year, there have been reductions in this tariff,…

SPRHOUT generates solar thermal power for greenhouse farm

The team with Solho (Solar Horticulture) recently went and visited the SPRHOUT (Solar Powered Off-grid Horticultural UniT) in France. Read more about this installation in this article.  The novel control unit and software for safe and autonomous operation was installed successfully, and is now generating solar…

Growcom

Energy class action in Queensland

Piper Alderman is representing all business and residential electricity consumers in Queensland in a class action brought against electricity generators, Stanwell Corporation Limited and CS Energy Limited. The QLD Energy Class Action is a legal claim that alleges Stanwell and CS Energy gamed the…

UK: Extension of non-domestic RHI can help businesses make vital energy savings

The announcement by the Government that the deadline for eligible applications to the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (NDRHI) is to be extended by six months is much…

Arlette Sijmonsma

Energy simulation model for control of multi-span greenhouse microclimate

In a recent study, a building energy simulation model of a multi-span greenhouse using a transient system simulation program to simulate greenhouse micro environments was proposed. The proposed model allows daily and seasonal control of screens, roof vents, and heating setpoints according to crop needs.…

“Being sustainable is not a commercial chance - not being sustainable is a commercial threat”

For 2 years now, Dutch nursery Ter Laak is growing part of their phalaenopsis plants in their new and innovative 'Daylight Greenhouse'. This 5ha greenhouse enables them to save 40-50% energy and generate a more stable climate for their plants. Currently, they produce 8 million plants per year on a total…

NFU Energy

UK: Changes to non-domestic RHI support and COVID-19 response

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has announced further COVID-19 related extensions to the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). This is to cover non-Tariff Guarantee (TG) participants who have already committed funds to the project (prior to the 17 August 2020). This…

NFU Energy

"Generators with a G59 relay must act now"

Any generators installed in the UK before February 2018 with a G59 relay needs to be updated to the new G59 relay rules by September 2022. Those who act quickly may be able to have costs reimbursed through the Accelerated Loss-of-Mains Change Programme (ALoMCP). The power generation industry has changed…

"It reduces pollution and saves energy"

Italian supplier Helkon is presenting the effects of their eco-friendly Helkon water treatment and energy saving systems for greenhouses, commercial and industrial applications in the following article. In short, they show that the Helkon fluid ionization technology permits to optimize the performance…

Ter Laak Orchids

Incentives, savings & productivity gains

360 Energy is hosting two webinars that focus on incentives, savings and productivity gains. Webinar #1: Productivity and SustainabilitySee how Dutch greenhouse operator, Ter Laak Orchids is leading the way. In combination with the business community, research institutions and universities, Ter Laak…

NFU Energy

UK: Update on all things RHI

"We hope you are doing well in these unprecedented times and we wanted to take this opportunity to share a few things going on in the world of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)," writes the team with NFU Energy.  Ofgem update industry on RHI tariff guaranteeFollowing the announcement from BEIS regarding the RHI extension for tariff…

Managing heat stress in propagation

Summer is a busy time of year for perennial growers. Creeping Phlox, Iberis, Dianthus and others have to be propagated this time of year in order to ship to customers for growing and bulking before overwintering. Unfortunately, Summer can be a very challenging environment for rooting perennials with the…

NFU Energy

UK: How retailers collaborating on decarbonisation could impact horticulture

Twenty retail businesses have recently joined forces through the British Retail Consortium (BRC), pledging to develop a blueprint for decarbonisation of the industry. Among the signatories are several supermarkets that have committed to reducing emissions not only in their shops but also through their…

CAN (QC): New cost-effective rate offering for greenhouse growers

Hydro-Québec has filed an application with the Régie de l’énergie regarding a new rate offering to support the development of the Québec greenhouse industry. The application provides for a rate of 5.59¢ per kilowatthour (kWh) for photosynthetic lighting and space heating to raise crops, available to all…

Energy Efficient Communities Grants Program open to Australian growers

The Federal Department of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources is offering grants up to $20,000 for Australian small businesses under the Energy Efficient Communities…

Water-filled glass; saving energy and reducing carbon emissions

Most everyone knows that heating and cooling buildings is not only expensive, but a massive issue due to the resulting carbon emissions. According to the UK Green Building Council, the built environment contributes around 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint – with heating alone contributing to 10% of…

Kennedy & Violich Architecture

US (MA): Botanical greenhouse can generate all of its own energy

Boston-based architecture firm Kennedy & Violich Architecture has flipped the script for energy-intensive greenhouses with the net-zero energy Global Flora, a sustainable botanical facility for Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Engineered to exceed the Net Zero Water & Energy requirements of the Living…