The energy provision of the greenhouse horticulture sector has to become sustainable, to meet increasing sustainability requirements, costs of energy and legitimacy of the sector. At this moment the sector uses 9% of the Dutch natural gas consumption. On the other hand, it produces 11% of the Dutch electricity production. Although the sector has already taken steps towards sustainable energy sources, particularly by using biomass and by creating geothermal energy sources (resp. 11 and 5% of natural gas use in 2021 (Feiten, 2022)), natural gas is still the major energy source.  

At the same time, the sector has agreed on a covenant with the government on becoming climate neutral in 2040 (Convenant, 2022). The trajectory to that purpose is still uncertain. The sector has to make a transition to a more sustainable and circular future, while preserving its economic viability. In the meantime, most growers take decisions on their energy provision investments and use of alternatives on a daily basis, adapting to changing government regulations, tax tariffs and energy prices.