Mopabloem, a prominent player in the UK’s greenhouse horticulture sector, has joined forces with Bosman Van Zaal to usher in a more sustainable and cost-efficient era. The highlight of this collaboration is the installation of two cutting-edge electric boilers, a strategic move aimed at reshaping the sector’s energy landscape. Coen Haakman, Operational Director of Mopabloem, recently shed light on the ambitious project, sharing valuable insights into its potential impact.
For a quarter of a century, the greenhouse horticulture sector has played a pivotal role in regulating the UK’s electricity market, supplying combined heat and power (CHP) during times of scarcity. However, the changing energy landscape, characterized by a growing presence of wind and solar energy, has made the electricity grid more volatile. In response, Martien Klein, Climate Expert at Bosman Van Zaal, stated, “By deploying E-boilers, the sector expands its role as a national regulatory valve by relieving the grid during surpluses, all while significantly reducing energy costs for the horticultural business.”
E-Boilers as a Revenue Model:
The greenhouse horticulture industry grapples with the constant challenge of balancing electricity generation and gas consumption to manage energy costs effectively. Mopabloem has proactively addressed this challenge by incorporating electric boilers into their operations. With a capacity of 1200 kW for load balancing and an additional 1000 kW for regulating solar panels, these boilers offer a powerful solution that can lower energy costs and generate income by regulating emergency power. One of the boilers can also store excess solar energy, even when electricity prices turn negative.
Integration and Maintenance:
The project, initiated in December 2022 and operational since July, required intricate integration into the existing greenhouse environment. The electric boilers were seamlessly incorporated through pipelines connected to the heat storage system and an open buffer system. Maintenance of the electric boilers is minimal, and they come with an impressive lifespan of 30 years.
Reducing Costs and Environmental Footprint:
Coen Haakman, Operational Director of Mopabloem, emphasized the project’s sustainability aspect, saying, “We chose to introduce electric boilers because we aimed not only to reduce our energy costs but also to lower our environmental footprint.” The shift towards sustainability aligns with customer demands for more eco-friendly practices. Mopabloem envisions reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and relying entirely on renewable energy sources in the future.
Specifications of the E-Boilers:
The electric boilers boast an impressive capacity of 1200 kW for load balancing and 1000 kW for solar panel regulation, all with remarkable energy efficiency. They adhere to safety standards and anticipate future regulations related to central heating boilers. These E-boilers have a swift warm-up time of just 30 seconds to reach 1200 kW at full power, achieving the desired greenhouse temperature in less than a minute. Furthermore, they operate with exceptional quietness.
Smart Monitoring and Control:
The electric boilers are integrated into a “box” designed for regulating and optimizing the electricity grid. This innovative approach allows for remote monitoring and control, enhancing efficiency. Haakman stated, “We enlisted Energy Pool to optimize our systems. This box, equipped with built-in AI, makes predictions for the next day and contributes to reducing energy consumption costs.”
Pioneering with a Strong Partner:
The partnership between Mopabloem and Bosman Van Zaal has been instrumental in the success of this project. Haakman highlighted the value of this collaboration, stating, “Bosman Van Zaal is, in a way, our heating DNA, and all our logistical systems are closely intertwined with BVZ.” This partnership ensured a meticulous and efficient execution of the project.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between Mopabloem and Bosman Van Zaal has not only pushed the boundaries of innovation but has also paved the way for new technologies within the existing greenhouse horticulture sector. It is expected that this project will have a positive and lasting impact, leading the sector toward sustainability and greater energy efficiency.