Masterplan Licht

The project “Masterplan Licht” aims to discover the effect of dynamic lighting with LED lamps on different crops. For the energy transition and for the profitability of crops, it is important that growers are given the opportunity to adjust their energy consumption to the availability of sustainably produced electricity. Dynamic lighting, where the lamps are dimmed back during times of high electricity prices, can contribute to this. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty about the effects of this on cultivation.

The project runs from 2024 to 2027. A total of 2 greenhouse trials with tomatoes are being carried out at Delphy Improvement Centre. In the first trial, a dynamic lighting strategy is compared with a strategy in which the lighting is always at the same intensity. In both treatments, the same daily light sum and daily temperature are achieved, only the distribution over the day varies. In the dynamic strategy, the LED spectrum is also adjusted based on the amount of sunlight. Red LED light is energetically the most efficient for photosynthesis, but a plant also needs blue and green light for good development. Sunlight contains relatively much blue and green light, so when there is sufficient sunlight, green and blue LEDs are dimmed to achieve higher energy efficiency. We are investigating the effect of the dynamic strategy on cultivation and total production.

In the Masterplan Light, the business unit Greenhouse Horticulture of Wageningen University & Research, Delphy Improvement Centre, Plant Lighting and Greenhouse Horticulture Netherlands are working together, with funding from the Top Sector Horticulture and Starting Materials and the KIJK Foundation.

The duration of the project: 2024 to 2027.

This project receives financial support from the Top Sector Horticulture & Starting Materials and the KIJK Foundation.
Within the Top Sector, the business community, knowledge institutions and the government are working together on innovations in the field of sustainable production of healthy and safe food and the development of a healthy, green living environment.

Sustainable Development Goals

2. Zero Hunger: Through more efficient, data-driven production of healthy food.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production: By optimising water, energy and resource use in cultivation.
13. Climate Action: Through energy-efficient cultivation strategies and reduction of emissions.
17. Partnerships for the Goals: Through intensive collaboration between industry, research institutions and government.