For the past year and a half, Leo de Rijke has been independently working as a consultant for climate and energy matters in the horticulture sector. Back in the day, he was a salaried serviceman. Later on, he designed software and technical systems and assisted with the sale of special projects. For a while, he even traveled the world to set up projects. In short, Leo has quite some experience, to be precise, more than twenty years. Now, he uses this experience to help growers who are confronted with technical issues. "I want them to offer the help they need."
Nowadays, growers often need help with climate- and energy-related issues. One could say that the establishment of De Rijke Techniek coincides nicely with the energy crisis, which has made growers think about their future. "Together, we consider what's most suitable."
No cheap technology
Some people know Leo from his contributions to the technical innovations implemented by Koppert Cress. Every week he visits this company. "A lot is happening there. New construction, renovations, or the integration of new techniques. Koppert Cress stands out when it comes to special projects."
Being a technophile, Leo likes this and states that it keeps him alert. However, it doesn't mean that he dislikes more regular projects. On the contrary, "Growers should be future-oriented; given the current developments, it is not an option to continue in the same way. They will have to tackle certain essays. This can also be done in phases."
One much-discussed technology is the heat pump, Leo points out. "Many growers are considering this. The possibilities vary per situation. In any case, it's good to realize that it's not a technology that just delivers cheap heat. Economic-wise, geothermal energy or a CHP can be better options."
Complete energy overview
As an advisor, Leo specifically focuses on energy and climate. "With my broad experience, I can help clients with gaining more insight. When it comes to growers, his designs are tailored to his client's wishes. "It's important not to have a general overview."
The switch from HPS to LED lighting directly affects growers' greenhouse climate and energy use. "There are quite some crops that require a bit more heat as a result of this switch. Generally, heat prices are lower than electricity prices. Nowadays, it's demonstrated that full-led cultivation is well possible. Before I became an entrepreneur in France, I came across a project that cultivated cocktail tomatoes with full LED for years. Which goes very well."
Continuous innovation
The horticulture sector experiences continuous innovation. "We all continue to innovate and develop, often on a large scale. Today's high energy prices resulted in the introduction of technologies which previously weren't." He mentions Low-E glass as an example. "The result of WUR's trials show that it offers many opportunities, also in combination with other installations. Sometimes, I am involved in these positive developments, either directly or indirectly."
Leo also offers services to growers that consider more familiar technologies in existing greenhouses, such as a new screen or a dehumidification system. "It's not only about the latest innovations. I enjoy the way I am working now."
For more information:
Leo de Rijke
De Rijke Technical Advice and Design B.V.
Waldeck Pyrmontstraat 11, 2676 AP
Maasdijk, the Netherlands
Tel.: + 31 (0)6 - 26 32 59 32
[email protected]
www.derijketechniek.nl