The world is still struggling with high energy and gas prices, also in horticulture. Ledgnd is concerned about the effects on horticulture and the future of growers who are struggling. At the same time, we know that LED offers an excellent gas and energy efficiency solution compared to the current conventional lighting.
War in Ukraine and High Gasprices in Horticulture 2022
Since December, gas prices have been rising at a rapid pace. This is partly because Russia slowly began to turn off the gas tap while we in the West were working hard to reopen society after the corona pandemic. After Russia invaded Ukraine, gas prices exploded to record levels. In March, the European gas price broke the old record by rising to a whopping 227 euro cents per megawatt-hour on the TTF.
The financial impact of these rising gas prices is enormous. On Tuesday, 8 March, Glastuinbouw Nederland held talks on this subject with the Ministries of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and Economic Affairs. It must be made clear that the future of greenhouse horticulture is in danger. We hope for extra government support to make the financial situation of growers a little more bearable. We want to keep you informed about this as well.
Horticultural entrepreneurs are faced with high costs for gas and energy, making it virtually impossible to cultivate profitably. We have even seen growers choose to leave their greenhouses ‘cold’ last winter. Many growers use a CHP, which converts gas into heat, electricity and CO2. Gas is often purchased in advance for this purpose. Now that the gas price has risen so much, it is more profitable for some growers to sell their gas and stop all work in the greenhouse. Of course, this is a bizarre situation, but it could also have long-term or irreversible consequences for the sector.
A Solution to High Gas Prices in Horticulture with LED Lighting
By far, the most energy is used to light crops. More and more horticulture companies are making the (partial) switch to LED. This form of lighting is twice as efficient as ‘normal’ SON-T lighting. Whereas SON-T lighting produces up to 1.7 photons per watt, with LED, this is 3.6 photons per watt. In short, in the long term, LED can provide considerable cost savings on energy.
It is crucial to think about switching to LED in good time. However, for many entrepreneurs, the high investment costs are a barrier to making decisions.
Switchting to LED isn’t without Risk
Full LED is the future, but because so many horticulturists are now betting on Full LED, we also see it as a danger. This is because people mainly look at the energy savings, and now, with these high gas prices, less at the risks to the crop. The cog in the greenhouse will turn differently because the entire climate in the greenhouse will adjust.
The integration of LED is a process of trial and error before it will yield successful results in the greenhouse. For the integration of LED in the greenhouse, Ledgnd has developed the platform MyLedgnd. Before hanging LED in the greenhouse, it is essential to do a 0 measurement on the microclimate level. When, at a later stage, LED is integrated in the greenhouse, the portal provides insight into the climatic differences so that these can be optimized.
How does Ledgnd help Horticulture with the Efficient Application of LED?
Do you want to know more about LED, or do you want to make the transition? Ledgnd is a brand-independent lighting specialist who would like to be of service to you during your purchase of and transition to LED. Together we can make the growth of your crop as efficient as possible with the right LED. Read more about our working method here.
