Real opportunity for long-term resilience lies in electricity and bioenergy for growers

Opinion – Stefan Vogrincic

Global geopolitics and fuel price volatility remind us that energy security is not something we can take for granted. (although we will when the price stabilises as our memories are short!) For New Zealand greenhouse growers, reliable and affordable energy underpins everything—from heating, lighting, and CO₂ enrichment to irrigation etc.

While diesel and transport fuels remain part of the conversation, the real opportunity for long-term resilience lies in electricity and bioenergy for growers. New Zealand is fortunate to have a strong renewable electricity base, which can support current operations and future innovation (if government plays its role).

Why Electricity is Key and must be affordable for international competitiveness

• Reliable and affordable energy: Expanding hydro, geothermal, wind, and solar can power lights, fans, pumps, as well in combination with biomass heating systems, and supplying CO₂ production.
• Integration with heat pumps: Affordable electricity allows growers to use heat pumps efficiently, reducing reliance on fossil fuels for greenhouse heating. Heat pump technology is ideal but work needs to be done on its ROI and ongoing running costs – this is a stumbling block for growers.
• International competitiveness: Stable electricity helps maintain productivity and cost-effectiveness, even when global fuel markets are volatile. This point is actually the KEY!

Using Bio-Energy Strategically

Even as electricity contributes to greenhouse operations, bio-energy remains essential:

• Heating: Biomass such as, wood fuels, can supplement electricity for greenhouse heating, particularly during peak winter demand or when electricity prices fluctuate.
• CO₂ enrichment: Combustion of biofuels provides CO₂, which can be captured and used to support plant growth—turning energy use into a dual benefit.
• Diesel replacement: Canola-based biodiesel is already produced in New Zealand and can be blended for use in tractors, generators, and trucks, reducing reliance on imported oil. (note electric tractor and digger technology is here but does need improvement)

By combining electricity and bio-energy, greenhouse operations can optimize both heating and CO₂ production, while gradually reducing fossil fuel dependency.

Fossil Fuels: Supporting a Smooth Transition

New Zealand’s existing fossil fuel resources—natural gas and coal (coal being abundant)—can still play a supporting role during the transition to renewables:

• Providing backup electricity or process heat when renewables fluctuate.
• Stabilising energy costs and helping growers maintain competitiveness.

Thoughtful use of fossil fuels allows the sector to transition gradually, investing in renewables and bio-energy infrastructure without compromising operations.

Putting It All Together

For greenhouse growers, a balanced approach is emerging:

1. Electricity as the backbone — affordable, reliable, and increasingly renewable.
2. Bio-energy as a complement — for heating, CO₂, and limited diesel applications.
3. Fossil fuels as a transition tool — ensuring continuity and cost stability.

Cucumbers are energy intensive and need high energy inputs.