# Using energy wisely in the greenhouse

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## An upgraded CHP unit: the same electricity, less gas

Photos: from the Joulz Business Solutions case study.

Every stem of Cymbidium involves more than caring for the flower. The greenhouse climate needs attention too. In a case study by Joulz Business Solutions, Dico and Gert-Jan Bac explain how they manage energy: from heating the crop to choosing a more efficient engine for their combined heat and power unit, or CHP.

## Heat that suits Cymbidium

Cymbidium is a crop that grows at relatively low temperatures. In our 5.6 hectares of greenhouses, heating is mainly needed to remove moisture from the air. This reduces the risk of Botrytis, a fungus that can damage flowers. It is about more than temperature alone: a suitable climate helps keep flowers healthy.

A CHP unit produces heat and electricity at the same time. We use the heat in the greenhouse and feed most of the electricity back into the grid. In the case study, Gert-Jan explains how we look for favourable times to supply electricity. A battery at the nursery also allows us to store electricity.

## A new engine, less gas

The CHP unit was purchased from Joulz Business Solutions in 2006. After around 75,000 operating hours without significant problems, we chose to replace the engine while keeping the existing enclosure.

The new engine has 12 cylinder heads instead of 16, but delivers the same electrical output of 1.5 megawatts. According to Gert-Jan, the unit now uses 35 cubic metres less gas per operating hour. A practical improvement in everyday use.

> “We generate the same amount of electricity while using 35 cubic metres less gas per hour.”

Gert-Jan Bac, in the Joulz Business Solutions case study

![CHP unit from the case study about Bac Orchids](https://www.bacorchids.com/image/wkk-bac-orchids-joulz.jpg)

The CHP unit featured in the case study. Photo: Joulz Business Solutions.

## Reliability behind the scenes

A nursery needs a reliable energy supply. That is why we chose a full-service maintenance contract from the start. In the article, Gert-Jan highlights the planned maintenance, quick help with breakdowns and familiar points of contact. This gives us peace of mind and more time to focus on growing.

## Looking ahead

As more solar and wind energy becomes available, the best times to feed CHP electricity into the grid are changing. According to Gert-Jan, the unit remains valuable, including for helping to balance the electricity grid.

We also keep exploring other options. In the case study, Dico and Gert-Jan mention heat pumps and geothermal energy as possibilities they are considering. Our energy supply continues to develop, with the needs of the crop as the starting point.

## Source & full case study

This story is adapted from the Joulz Business Solutions case study *Ook zonder belastingvoordeel blijft de WKK een krachtige troef voor de glastuinbouw*. The figures and statements come from that publication.

[Read the full case study (Dutch PDF, 2.1 MB)](https://www.bacorchids.com/media/nl_bac_orchids_casestudie.pdf)

[More about responsible growing](https://www.bacorchids.com/en/bedrijfsinformatie/verantwoord-telen.html)