Four horticultural companies in the Netherlands — 4Evergreen, VGT Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, Alvonto and Van Duijn De Jong — have consolidated their energy activities under the name Energie Cluster Terneuzen. With this step, the companies aim to strengthen long-term cooperation on heat, CO₂ and energy supply within the 132-hectare greenhouse area near Westdorpe, in the province of Zeeland.
© Energie Cluster Terneuzen
The Westdorpe greenhouse cluster was developed with a strong focus on sustainability. Residual heat and CO₂ from surrounding industry are supplied directly to the greenhouses via WarmCO2, significantly reducing natural gas consumption. According to the companies, this makes the area one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable greenhouse locations in Europe.
The collaboration between greenhouse growers, industry and port-related development — including partners such as fertiliser producer Yara, WarmCO2 and North Sea Port — has formed the foundation of the area for many years. Since the initial plans around 2008, the entrepreneurs have jointly developed the site. Even during economically challenging periods, cooperation has remained the guiding principle to strengthen the cluster and safeguard its long-term viability.
After years of joint development, the area has reached a new phase. Changing market conditions, the reassessment of existing agreements and emerging regional opportunities require strategic decisions about the future of the energy supply.
To enable further growth and ensure continuity, targeted investments in infrastructure and cooperation are considered necessary. Energie Cluster Terneuzen, together with the growers, is working on a reliable and cost-effective energy supply that aligns with the scale and ambitions of the area, both in the short and long term. This requires timely decision-making and preparatory steps.
The region offers opportunities to further optimise the use of existing residual heat and CO₂ streams. At the same time, alternative sources and solutions are being explored to create multiple viable pathways for the future. The objective is to provide clarity in time and to maintain a robust, affordable and future-proof energy system for the greenhouse cluster.
Source: Energy Cluster Terneuzen
