23
Sep 2025

Online workshop : learnings from the low-energy input trial for greenhouse tomatoes

Online workshop : learnings from the low-energy input trial for greenhouse tomatoes
If you are not a tomato grower or you do not grow with lights, the approach to energy saving is also transferable to your situation.

When: Monday, 13th October
Time: 7 pm
Run by: Tico van Leeuwen, with Andy Lee leading the discussion both from Grodan.

About: The discussion will focus on a collaborative research project between Grodan and Philips Horticulture LED Solutions. Our aim was to reduce total heat input into a full LED-lit tomato crop by>40%.  So what’s the dilemma? In winter, when you have a minimum radiant heat input from the sun combined with energy-efficient LED lights, how can you work with lower pipe temperatures, stimulate sufficient plant transpiration and nutrient uptake, whilst at the same time control greenhouse humidity?  The answer is you have to do something that’s not been done before, you have to set a vision for the new ‘norm’.  We shall talk about how we overcame our dilemma and achieved >50% lower heat input compared to a reference tomato grower with the same variety over two years of trials.  If you are not a tomato grower or you do not grow with lights, the approach to energy saving is also transferable to your situation.

This online meeting is in conjunction with TomatoesNZ – Register your interest here

For more information, visit their website 
https://www.grodan.com/global/knowledge/collaborations-and-trials/low-energy-tomato-growing/

 

 

Subscribe to our E-Zine

Sign up here to subscribe to the Grower2grower Ezine. Every two weeks you will receive new articles, specific to the protected cropping industry, informing you of industry news and events straight to your inbox.

More

From This Category

A major milestone has been reached in Direct Air Capture and agriculture
June 1, 2026
A major milestone has been reached in Direct Air Capture and agriculture
Strategic alliance will establish a decentralized, fossil-free CO₂ supply for a vital greenhouse cluster in the Netherlands that spans 80 hectares
Phormium launches a new ultra-transparent energy screen: Diamond
June 1, 2026
Phormium launches a new ultra-transparent energy screen: Diamond
The leading Belgian climate screen manufacturer Phormium announces the introduction of a brand-new revolutionary energy screen:
Ground-Source Heating: Lessons from a Leading UK Greenhouse Operation
June 1, 2026
Ground-Source Heating: Lessons from a Leading UK Greenhouse Operation
An in-depth look at the ground-source heat pump system heating Stewarts Garden Centre in England and the opportunities this technology may offer commercial greenhouse growers in New Zealand. "Energy costs in the UK are currently extremely high compared with New Zealand. During discussions on site, electricity pricing was described as sitting around 22 pence per kWh, which converts to approximately NZ$0.50 per kWh. Considering those energy prices, the efficiency of the heating system was particularly impressive".
Energy, Equity and the Future of Greenhouse Growing
May 5, 2026
Energy, Equity and the Future of Greenhouse Growing
Finding Balance in a Changing Energy Landscape. Recent discussions within the industry have raised questions around energy security — particularly the role of gas — and whether targeted support for some growers may be needed to maintain production. It’s an important conversation, and one that deserves careful consideration.
Autumn Challenges: Managing Humidity, Energy Constraints and Crop Balance
Energy Resilience for Greenhouse Horticulture: Electricity at the Core (not just for greenhouse horticulture but NZ Inc?)
April 7, 2026
Energy Resilience for Greenhouse Horticulture: Electricity at the Core (not just for greenhouse horticulture but NZ Inc?)
Real opportunity for long-term resilience lies in electricity and bioenergy for growers
CLASSIFIED