Key Takeaways
- Renewable Energy Transition: The RE-Greenhouse project aims to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy in the greenhouse sector of North-West Europe.
- Collaborative Effort: The project involves 11 partners from 5 North-West European countries, each bringing specific expertise in renewable energy technologies for greenhouses.
- Innovative Tools and Training: The initiative includes developing a decision tool for greenhouse operators to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy sources, complemented by on-site demonstrations and targeted training.
RE-Greenhouse Project Launched to Boost Renewable Energy Use in European Greenhouses
Overview of the RE-Greenhouse Project
The launch of the RE-Greenhouse project marks a significant step in transitioning the greenhouse sector in North-West Europe from reliance on fossil fuels to the adoption of renewable energy sources. Funded by the Interreg North-West Europe program, this initiative seeks to enhance climate resilience, food security, and competitiveness within the region’s agricultural sector.
Collaborative Framework
The project consortium comprises 11 multidisciplinary partners from Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. These partners include research institutes, agricultural organizations, and technical experts who will implement six pilot renewable energy technologies across various sites. The explored technologies include solar energy, heat networks, residual heat, pellet heating systems, wood heating systems, and biogas.
The Consortium:
- Inagro (BE)
- VEGEPOLYS VALLEY (FR)
- IFSB – Construction Sector Training Institute (LU)
- Greenport West-Holland (NL)
- Innovation Support Boerenbond (BE)
- Interprofessional TCFVegetables (FR)
- The Hague University of Applied Science (NL)
- Trier University of Applied Sciences (DE)
- ASTREDHOR – IPP (FR)
- FarmTech Society (BE)
- Heat Grid Westland (NL)
Decision Support Tools and Training
A key component of the RE-Greenhouse project is developing a ‘Greenhouse renewable energy source decision tool’. This tool will help greenhouse operators identify the most suitable renewable energy sources for their operations, providing technical and economic guidance. The tool aims to be a game-changer in how greenhouse operators in North-West Europe make energy decisions.
Benefits and Long-term Goals
Greenhouse operators can reduce their vulnerability to market volatility and geopolitical events by adopting renewable energy sources. The project aims to foster a sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly agricultural sector in North-West Europe, enhancing food security and competitiveness in the global market. Additionally, the shift toward renewable energy is expected to open up new career opportunities and facilitate further digitalization and infrastructure integration in the sector.
Project Duration and Funding
The RE-Greenhouse project, which officially started on November 22, 2023, will run for four years. It is coordinated by Inagro and supported by a €2.3 million grant from the Interreg North-West Europe program.
Photo by Katrien Van crombrugghe on Unsplash
