1 maand geleden
Soaring energy prices are once again putting pressure on greenhouse growers. Geopolitical tensions and rising gas prices are forcing growers to take a more critical look at their energy consumption than ever before. One of the most effective levers to pull: greenhouse screening. At Ridder, interest in energy-efficient screen solutions has increased dramatically in recent months.
Energy Savings Are More Profitable Than Ever
Energy efficiency has long been a topic in protected horticulture. However, the combination of exceptionally high energy prices, new crop varieties, and changing lighting systems means that investments in energy screens are now paying off faster.
“With today's energy prices, growers can easily earn back their investment,” says Arjan van der Klaauw, Sales Manager at Ridder. “The demand is increasingly focused on high-quality, energy-saving screens and multi-layer screening solutions installed above the crop.”
Costs and Benefits Assessed More Critically
What stands out is that growers are looking more consciously at total return on investment. Not only the purchase price matters, but especially the cumulative energy savings over several years.
“One customer asked us for the most energy-efficient screen we have, with the aim of minimizing heating demand,” Van der Klaauw explains. “This screen is typically used for young plants. In this case, it is applied to reduce heat loss at night by reflecting cold back towards the greenhouse. It requires a higher initial investment, but one that clearly pays off.”
New Varieties and LED Lighting Reinforce the Trend
Changes in cultivation practices also play a role. The introduction of ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties is sometimes accompanied by slightly lower yields. “Growers then look for ways to recover margins — and energy savings are an obvious area to focus on.”
At the same time, the transition to LED lighting presents new challenges. LEDs produce less residual heat than traditional HPS lamps, meaning screens are closed more frequently and for longer periods. This calls for different screen types than those that have been standard for years.
Optimising Screening Requires a System Approach
Extended screening is not without risk. More screening hours also result in increased evaporation and higher humidity levels. Dehumidification and ventilation must be properly aligned to manage this.
“In recent years, many additional factors have come into play,” says Van der Klaauw. “Think of insect netting, limited ventilation capacity, and the extra energy consumption of dehumidifiers. Optimising screening really requires insight and tailored solutions.”
Ten Years of Screen Production in Maasdijk
In 2025, we celebrated out tenth anniversary as a climate screen producer. Since 2018, we operate our own production facilities in Maasdijk, the Netherlands. Due to the sharp rise in demand, production capacity has been doubled in a short time. With four production lines, we're able to respond flexibly to a wide range of widths and applications.
Conclusion
High energy prices are making efficient screening solutions both more urgent and more profitable. Growers are not only investing more rapidly, but also more deliberately. As a result, energy management in the greenhouse has firmly become a strategic component of modern cultivation.
