Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in the defossilization of the economy. Greenhouse growers and energy grid authorities want to explore how it can help in phasing out natural gas, which is currently the prominent source of energy. However, next to hydrogen, other developments are also emerging. And, the perspective of one direction influences that of others. Therefore, Wageningen University & Research BU Greenhouse Horticulture is working on a comprehensive scenario study to provide guiding data that will support the development of future plans.
"This is a clear multidisciplinary project," says De Zwart. "Cultivation techniques and greenhouse technology are in continuous development. Moreover, the energy market is evolving under the influence of growing capacities of sustainable energy and changing regulations. Grid operators are facing major infrastructural investments to enable this sustainable energy mix." Representatives of all stakeholders involved are therefore participating in the study.
The scenario analysis starts with taking Combined Heat and Power (CHP) as a status quo. The typical greenhouse in The Netherlands has 450 kWe CHP per hectare, where natural gas is converted into electricity, heat, and CO₂: heat and CO₂ for the greenhouse, electricity for lighting, and also supply to the public grid. With lighting and grid supply, horticulture is a large energy consumer and also plays an important role in stabilizing the public power grid.
Natural gas CHP can be replaced by a hydrogen motor or a fuel cell. These do not produce CO₂ and, in the case of a fuel cell, less residual heat. From a sustainability perspective, this is a significant gain, but it means that the growers' electricity production generates less useful by-products. This changes the whole picture, bringing other sustainable alternatives such as geothermal energy and the use of heat pumps another perspective.
Guiding investments
How these various developments come together is studied in the project 'The Role of Hydrogen in the Sustainable Energy Mix for Horticulture.' De Zwart explains: "For this research, we study different scenarios. And by intensive consultation with project partners, we make sure that these scenarios are realistic and feasible. The outcome will help to formulate directions of development of regional sustainable energy grids."
The project is funded by Topsector Tuinbouw & Uitgangsmaterialen, Capturam, AgroEnergy, the municipalities of Westland and Lansingerland, Glastuinbouw Nederland, Stichting Kennis in je Kas (KijK), Greenport West-Holland, and supported with knowledge and experience by ornamental plant companies Anthura, Maarel Orchids, and Mediaverdi and tomato companies Schenkeveld and Lans.
Source: Wageningen University & Research