"How should we deal with today's energy insecurity?" is a question you hear across the whole floriculture sector, also at Microflor. We admit that we are considering a worst-case scenario. Not because we're born pessimists – quite the opposite, in fact. By taking proactive steps, we can keep our quality consistent. And this consistency is our trademark. Since the beginning of the crisis, we have not deviated from our growing conditions for even a minute, despite the jump in energy prices. As a result, we continue to deliver consistently high-quality plants, meaning you, as a partner, have no concerns about what you will receive. And we will stick with this approach for the coming period, whatever it costs, writes Bart van Hoye with Microflor.
Short-term measures
We can guarantee the perfect climate for every production site, even if gas supplies come to a temporary halt, as we have invested in extra tanks to store alternative fuels such as fuel oil and propane gas. After the adjustment of the heating systems, we can cope with a number of weeks of unexpected disconnection.
We have also gone down the path of electrification by replacing gas-powered equipment with electricity-powered equipment. In the short term, this has been done as an alternative to gas, but in the long term, electrical equipment will become standard.
Long-term measures
Regardless of the rising gas prices, as a sector, we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. It is our responsibility: it's economically advantageous, and more importantly, it's environmentally sound. To achieve this, Microflor is adopting a two-pronged approach.
Firstly, we will drastically reduce our total energy needs. Secondly, we are opting resolutely for electrification. This is a realistic objective if electrification becomes greener and more affordable in a relatively short period of time. We are adopting this approach on all levels. For example:
- Better light/electricity balance via LED lighting in the greenhouse. The advantages are greater than were originally foreseen. Thanks to this energy-efficient but very effective lighting, with Son-T the lighting hours are reduced by 25%.
- Energy-efficient motors and further electrification of the air conditioning, coupled with solar panels in our tissue-cultivating labs. The result? Even greener shoots.
- Recirculation of water. In 2018, we invested in ErfGoed floors to optimize water reuse. Today this system is working perfectly, and we have cut our total water use by a third. It proves that water reuse and plant quality go together – even in extremely dry periods. We also allow excess rainwater to infiltrate the soil. This has a positive environmental effect on the whole process.
This is only the start. The bar is a high one. Our objectives? Products that are even more sustainable and even greater independence from the unpredictable energy markets.
Transforming challenges into opportunities
We know that 2023 will be a year full of challenges. But you can count on us. We will keep delivering quality products in the best conditions. And we will look to the future – because sooner or later, the energy transition will come, and it is best to be at the forefront of this transition. Together, with our combined strength.
For more information:
Microflor
Lichtelarestraat 87
9080 Lochristi, Belgium
+32 9 326 82 80
+32 9 326 82 80
[email protected]
www.microflor.com