The Fontana horticultural business in East Brandenburg is trying to counteract the high energy costs with advanced technology. "Customers appreciate the food, but there is also a range of cheaper alternative products from other production areas. And so the choice of what to buy is relatively easy," said managing director Markus Gläser to RBB. A solar system is now being used to reduce energy consumption. In the greenhouses, energy screens – additional covers under the roof – ensure that as much heat as possible remains in the hall.
Instead of natural gas, the company now uses biogas. This is piped in from a biogas plant in Küstrin-Kietz, three kilometres away. According to the managing director, the biogas is used to generate electricity in a combined heat and power plant on the premises. "The engines have to be cooled. And the waste heat from the engines is fed to Fontana's greenhouses." And it ensures a pleasant temperature of 18 degrees there. In addition, the company has invested in a buffer storage tank. "Since the power plant does not run 24 hours a day, but only at peak times, we have to bridge the interim periods with heat." With this energy-efficient system, the company should remain fit for the future, explains the managing director. Gläser: "We have to find a way to cope with higher energy prices."
For more information:
Fontana Gartenbau GmbH
Friedensstraße 23
15328 Küstriner Vorland OT Manschnow
Tel: +49 (33472) 527
[email protected]
www.fontana-gartenbau.de