Cultivation of vegetables is an energy intensive sector, especially in relation to the heat needed to warm glasshouses. A popular and long-lasting solution is a natural gas heat-power coupling, whereby heat, steam and CO2 are produced from natural gas. A long-lasting supplement for the sector is the use of ground heat for the heating of glasshouses.
The sector is an innovative sector where every saving counts. It is therefore not surprising that a lot of attention has been given to the use of geothermal energy in recent years, because its possible to make big savings. There are now 12 projects in the Netherlands where heat from 60 to 100 degrees Celsius has been achieved from depths of between 1,500 and 3,000 meters.
A typical geothermal system consists of two pipes that go into the ground to a depth of around 500 to 4,000 meters to an aquifer. From there, hot water is pumped up (the temperature depends on the location). This water is brought above ground by a water exchanger, which puts cold water back in the ground. Geothermal energy is suitable for projects of a reasonable size due to the high investment (approximately 1.5 – 2,0 M€ per MW of capacity). In order to justify the expenditure, projects are often joint efforts from groups of growers in the same area.
Advantages of geothermal energy are the cost savings and the durability of growing vegetables. In addition, geothermal projects may justify a SDE subsidy. With this subsidy, the cost can in certain circumstances fall to approximately 0,07-0,11 €/m³, equivalent to natural gas (the business case is dependant on many factors).
Ekwadraat is currently developing different geothermal projects for horticulture. There are a lot of developments in the area of deep as well as shallow geothermal. In order to keep you updated, Ekwadraat regularly organises masterclasses and seminars. Do you want to know what cost saving and durable opportunities there are for you? Then contact Mr Kuyper (+31 88-4000500) in order to discuss the possibilities.