While Dutch greenhouse horticulture wants to decrease the use of natural gas, the Dutch power grid is not prepared for this in some parts of the country. There isn't enough electricity to supply power to the growing number of lamps in greenhouses, for example. Growers who want to expand also need more power, but grid operators are increasingly turning down applications now that the demand from greenhouse growers has risen sharply in recent years. All that growers can do is exercise patience.
According to a recent Dutch news report, dozens of greenhouse horticulture businesses have an unreliable supply of electricity in their greenhouses. The problems are the biggest in Bommelerwaard, but also occur in other places across the Netherlands. In the Zuidplas, Asten and Aalsmeer, for example, growers are facing power shortages.
According to Glastuinbouw Nederland, more than 50 Dutch growers are dealing with electricity problems. Some growers even lose power on a regular basis. According to them, grid operators did not plan sufficiently for the growth and sustainability plans of the greenhouse horticulture sector, including in Bommelerwaard.
The existing infrastructure is not capable of supplying the necessary power. Power cables need to be replaced with bigger ones, a process which is expected to take three to five years for grid operator Alliander, in this particular case.
Source: NOS