One of the largest greenhouse tomato growers in Romania is about to start generating power and heat with two natural gas cogeneration units, of 9.9 MW in combined electricity capacity. The solution includes a system for capturing carbon dioxide, which is required for stimulating photosynthesis. The firm's owners expect to cut operating costs by up to 50%.
A range of technologies for energy and resource efficiency in the production of fruit and vegetables are becoming increasingly accessible. They include agrisolar plants with batteries and geothermal energy, digitalization platforms, hydroponics, water reuse and high-pressure sodium lights. One of the largest greenhouse tomato growers in Romania opted for combined heat and power (CHP) plants, Profit.ro reported.
CO2 from the combustion of natural gas would be scrubbed and piped back into the greenhouse to boost photosynthesis. Cogeneration systems aren't new in the greenhouse business, but it is the first time in Romania that such a facility would deliver excess output to the grid.
Silvia and Damian Răileanu's company Hortihaus produces 1,500 tons of cherry tomatoes per year in the Biled commune in Timiș county, in the country's far west. The greenhouses span five hectares overall, and this year the surface is expanding by three hectares.
Read more at Balkan Green Energy News
