Switzerland: Greenhouses to be heated without fossil fuels by 2040
By the end of 2030, the greenhouses are to run 80 % without fossil fuels, then 100 % by the end of 2040. The energy demand load for greenhouses is divided into base load (80 %) and peak load (20 %). The latter must be available quickly. Therefore, the base load should first be covered without fossil fuels and then the peak load. Emergency fossil-fuel operation remains permitted so as not to jeopardise the harvest in the event of a heating failure, Matija Nuic, Director of the Swiss Vegetable Producers Association (VSGP), is quoted as saying by the Agricultural Information Service (lid).
"We need more values.
"We have to deliver added value. If we can show that a tomato or a cucumber from Switzerland is also more sustainable in terms of energy use, that is a good argument in sales. However, we had to give the producers a time horizon for the conversion that would allow them to amortise the investments," says Nuic.
Fruchthandel is a global media company located in Düsseldorf, Germany. The company's main focus is on fresh fruits and vegetables, covering everything from planting and cultivation to distribution and consumption. With its roots dating back to 1916, Fruchthandel has a long history of providing expert and timely information on the topic of fruits and vegetables through its flagship magazine, "Fruchthandel Magazin". In addition to the weekly publication, the company also offers special national and thematic editions, an industry guide, and a daily newsletter, "Fruchthandel Newsmail".