The Dutch horticulture sector is world leading: 70 percent of all glass greenhouses worldwide – that are used for the production of fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants – are built by Dutch greenhouse constructors. Though, greenhouses consume a lot of energy and the 3.300 horticulture businesses in the Netherlands need to be climate neutral in 2040.
In this report, students from the Thesis Lab “Future of Energy in Horticulture” showcase their research on how the horticulture sector can decarbonize and secure its energy supply. You’ll find analyses of supply- and demand-side strategies, storage and flexibility solutions, and case studies on digitalization, hydrogen, AI-driven optimization and collaborative models.
Take a look at the presentation here!
The horticulture sector is at the start of an uncertain period. The sector has to consume way less energy and become more circular, while preserving its economic viability. In the meantime, most growers take daily decisions on their energy provision investments and use of alternatives, while adapting to changing government regulations, tax tariffs and energy prices.
Climate neutral future
In this 2024-2025 Thesis Lab we will dive deeper into the various aspects of a climate neutral Dutch horticulture sector.
The graduation projects are linked to the following thesis challenges:
This Thesis Lab gives you (hbo fourth year or university master graduation student) the opportunity to research this sustainability challenge and share your recommendations with professionals in the horticulture sector. Your work has a real impact!
From February to July you will join eleven sessions, one every other week. You will talk to professionals and researchers, follow excursions in the horticulture practice and participate in workshops with fellow students and other Labs. Collaboration with other students supports your learning process. You will work on your own graduation assignment and develop a joint end result with your fellow students.
The sector has already made significant progress toward achieving climate neutrality by 2040. To reach this goal and maintain its position as a market leader, ongoing innovation, efficient use of energy and CO2 resources, and strong collaboration are crucial.”
- Liesanne Wieleman - Glastuinbouw Nederland
LDE Centre for Sustainability and Glastuinbouw Nederland organize the Thesis Lab ‘The Future of Energy in the Horticulture Sector’ together. Glastuinbouw Nederland is the leading entrepreneurial network in the Dutch greenhouse horticulture sector. In it, LTO Noord, ZLTO and LLTB work together to influence policy and create innovation programmes in the areas of Labour, Energy, Health & Happiness, Plant Health and Water & Environment. Together they represent 75% of the total greenhouse horticulture acreage in the Netherlands.
In your graduation project you will be linked to a professional organization in the horticulture sector. This can be a grower, bank, energy business or governmental organization. We will link you with an organization once you’ve been matched with a theme/research question.
Conditions for enrolment you'll find here.
Enrolment for the academic year 2024-2025 is closed!
Get inspired and check the results of previous labs.
