Met low-ε glas naar een fossielvrije aubergineteelt

To demonstrate how far energy use in eggplant cultivation can be reduced with a combination of high insulation, active dehumidification and an adapted climate strategy, a greenhouse test at Delphy Improvement Centre was conducted in 2024 with low-ε and AR coatings on the glass. If the thermal energy use of this cultivation is corrected for the relatively high proportion of exterior facades of the test facility, the incorrectly laid greenhouse cover until beginning of March, and after deduction of the harvested heat, the fossil heat use remains less than the target 11.4 m³/m² (=100 kWh/m²). According to simulations, the low-ε coating has resulted in 13% less heat demand. Compared to a professional eggplant grower, at least 20% was saved on heat. However, the production of the test cultivation was 19% lower than that of the reference company.

Production lagged behind, especially until July. An explanation for this is not yet complete, but is sought in
flower abortion, the light transmission of the greenhouse roof and low CO2 concentration.

Research period: November 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024

This project/research is part of the Greenhouse as Energy Source program, the innovation and action program of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, and Greenhouse Horticulture Netherlands.