In Q3 of 2021, energy prices went through the roof because of international tensions and an insufficient natural gas storage. EPEX-spot and TTF markets responded with unprecedented fluctuations both short- and longterm. Furthermore, the spark spread -which is key to profitability for growers using CHP-systems- showed a sharp decrease and is forecasted to continue to decline.

Although the carbon footprint of the Horticulture industry has been reduced throughout the last decade, it still accounts for the major share of agricultural emissions. With carbon prices on the rise and an increase of taxes, further emissions reduction in the sector is necessary in order to continue operations in the coming decades.

The future is all electric, but sun and wind aren't always available. Horticulture usually relies on the scarce energy when it's cold outside and has a much lower demand when energy is abundant and it's sunny. Operating with a lower peak-demand and using buffer capacity is essential to reduce peak-demand impact.