Next Generation Semi-Closed greenhouse nominated for Horti Fair Innovation Award 2012

From FreshPlaza: An international expert jury has nominated the Next Generation Semi-Closed Greenhouse for the prestigious Horti Fair Innovation Award 2012.  "The initial results are promising and confirm project expectations. Consequently, we conclude that the Next Generation Semi-Closed Greenhouse is potentially capable of making a major contribution to further sustainability in greenhouse horticulture all over the world’’, in the words of the jury. The Next Generation Semi-Closed Greenhouse represents a modest additional investment and achieves a 20 to 30 percent reduction in energy consumption by using a heat pump and mechanical dehumidification.

The Next Generation Semi-Closed Greenhouse is currently being tested under practical conditions at tomato grower Lans in Rilland. Researcher Feije de Zwart of Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw is monitoring this practical test. "A department measuring 4000 m² has been modified and equipped with an air treatment system to allow greenhouse dehumidification when the windows are closed. Closing the greenhouse in the winter saves 4 m³ of natural gas and use of a heat pump in combination with a small CHP system and a small aquifer generates a further saving of 6 m³. That amounts to a total of 10 m³ of natural gas per m² per year. In addition, better dehumidification control raises product quality to a higher level. In short, the Next Generation Semi-Closed Greenhouse is a sustainable innovation that offers both financial and production benefits".  

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