Energy transition greenhouse horticulture: challenges and solutions
An important aspect of the energy transition in the Netherlands is disconnection from the gas network. What does this mean for greenhouse horticulture, a sector that traditionally consumes a lot of gas? Dutch horticulturists are already making full use of solar energy, because they are aware of the environmental problems and want to reduce their CO2 emissions as much as possible. For their combined heat and power (CHP) systems, however, they are dependent on gas.
What chp systems are used for
Nurseries and market gardens use CHP systems for electricity and heat. With an additional flue gas after-treatment system, the CHP system can also be used to increase CO2 levels in the greenhouse. This in turn will stimulate plant growth and thus ultimately increase vegetable & flower yield and income.
It will come as no surprise when we say that greenhouse horticulture requires a lot of energy. Even if you don’t live in the area, you’ve probably seen photos of vast areas of illuminated greenhouses under an evening sky.
For a sector of this size, it is impossible to switch from gas to electricity at short notice. And that applies to the network managers as well! The Netherlands has one of the best electricity networks in the world, but it is not made for a world in which everything is electric.
Energy transition in greenhouse horticulture: being inventive with existing and new possibilities
Grid operators are working hard on the electricity grid of the future. However, the reality is that we are currently suffering from grid congestion. Due to this shortage on the electricity grid, it is sometimes not possible to connect new companies or new residential areas to the electricity grid.
This shortage is also the reason that we cannot handle the growing amount of 'green' electricity everywhere, not to mention the fact that the switch from gas to electricity alone causes capacity problems. The cables of the current grid are often too thin and the transformers too small to handle a doubling in the power demand.
Upgrading and expanding the power grid will solve these problems, but this will take a lot of time and money. Therefore, in the meantime, we will have to be inventive with existing and new possibilities in the field of energy production, generation, storage and distribution.
Replacing natural gas with other types of gas
A first step is to replace natural gas with other types of gas, insofar as possible. Examples include biogas, green gas or adding hydrogen to the natural gas network. Provided the soil conditions are suitable for this purpose, geothermal energy can be used for heating greenhouses as well.
Reducing grid load
A completely different option is to reduce grid load by running a CHP system as a standalone set-up (island mode) or in the form of import/export control.
In import/export control, the CHP is linked to the grid. This gives you the opportunity to purchase (import) electricity in the event of a shortage or, for example, when the electricity price is high, to sell electricity (export). Nurseries and market gardens can also choose to use the energy generated by the CHP completely themselves, while at the same time benefiting from grid frequency stability.
A CHP island mode is not linked to the grid. You in fact generate energy for only yourself, effectively turning the system into a microgrid. For the sake of frequency stability, most greenhouse horticulturists do opt for a CHP connection to the grid.
CHP systems help to keep the mains voltage level
Everyone benefits from a stable and reliable electricity grid, in which supply and demand are well matched. The grid managers therefore carefully check the connection before giving permission to connect/supply to the grid. Because if this is not completely correct, the grid frequency can change to 49 instead of 50 Hz during peak times, which would cause many problems in e.g. computers and all kinds of business processes.
If that threatens to happen, the CHP systems connected to the grid will help to keep the grid at exactly 50 Hz. This is possible because Pon Power’s Cat CHP systems meet the European Grid Code requirements and because we comply with all relevant quality marks and NEN standards.
Cat global leader in sustainable technologies
Pon Power and its customers want to leave a clean planet for the next generations and Caterpillar is a committed partner in this. Caterpillar is a global leader in developing sustainable technologies.
We help many entrepreneurs become more sustainable by generating and managing energy in a smart and future-proof manner. We do this, among other things, by constructing solar fields, installing battery systems or micro-grids, supplying flue gas after-treatment systems for CO2 fertilisation or de-Nox systems for systems from approximately 1,000 ekW (electrical power).
Facing the energy transition together: when it comes to energy, we are the party to make your company future-proof. Especially in greenhouse horticulture!
Facts & figures
60 & 40%
Biogas and landfill gas consist roughly of 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide.
2030
By 2030, a total of 1.2 million homes must be connected to a heat network.
1 m3 gas
Methane is a ‘by-product’ from extracting hot water deep in the ground; the gas-water ratio below the Westland surface area is favourable 1 m3 gas to 1 m3 water.
Up to 25%
Pon Power's current CHP installations can run on hydrogen up to 25%.
1,000 ekW
Our flue gas after-treatment systems for CO2 fertilisation or DeNox systems are suitable for systems from +/- 1,000 ekW.
20 & 80%
Current energy mix: approx. 20% electricity and 80% natural gas or liquid fossil fuel.
Want to know more about energy transition in greenhouse horticulture?
Would you like to know more about the developments of energy and CHP installations in particular? Please feel free to contact us on 078 642 0420 or via the contact form below.