Heating and Lighting

As the cost of oil, gas and electricity continues to rise, many growers are seeking alternatives that will allow at least the maintenance of profit margins in future, if not produce actual savings. Additionally, pressures relating to climate change and concerns over fuel security -- whether it will be available at the right time and in the quantity required -- make it even more essential that growers keep an open mind about what they use to produce heat and power in their glasshouse facilities. The range of alternative fuel sources, particularly natural and renewable, is wide -- from straw and wood to solar and wind power. Even anaerobic digestion has its place. Which fuel is best for any given horticultural site will largely depend on the location of the enterprise as well as requirements in terms of when and how much heat and power is needed. In the right place, heat may be available as a by-product from industrial processes.

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