A large number of companies and organizations have signed the new Energy Agreement Greenport West-Holland 2025–2030. With this agreement, parties from business, government, and knowledge institutions together take an important step towards climate-neutral greenhouse horticulture. A significant reduction of CO₂ emissions is central, with the development of heat networks in greenhouse horticulture areas being an important instrument.
The Energy Agreement has existed since 2017 and provides direction for the energy transition in the greenhouse horticulture sector. The joint ambition is to produce climate-neutral by 2040. This requires intensive cooperation between entrepreneurs, governments, and knowledge partners in the region.
The signing took place during the annual Meet & Greet Energy of Greenport West-Holland on December 18 at the province house of South Holland. Among the signatories are greenhouse horticulture companies, heat cooperatives, municipalities, and knowledge institutions. Together they work on accelerating the energy transition within the Greenport.
Momentum and pace in the energy transition
Deputy and chairman of Greenport West-Holland Meindert Stolk emphasizes the importance of cooperation: “The energy transition in greenhouse horticulture is in full development but is also becoming increasingly complex. Grid congestion, uncertainty about CO₂, and pressure on space play a role. At the same time, we want to continue working on sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy. That requires joint pace and decisiveness.”
Program director Martin van der Hout also underlines the importance of bundling:
“The realization of heat networks, CO₂ supply, and grid reinforcement requires good coordination. By connecting parties, we can tackle bottlenecks and arrive at solutions faster.”
Objectives 2026–2030
For the period 2026–2030, objectives have been formulated for the short, medium, and long term. In the short term, the focus is on further facilitating heat networks, making extra CO₂ available for the greenhouses, and starting new pilot projects. In the medium term, the focus is on the use of sustainable gases and connection to the future hydrogen network. The long term focuses on the development of a large-scale regional heat network and the drafting of energy visions per sub-area.
Joining the Energy Agreement remains possible. Participating companies are expected to contribute actively, for example by participating in projects, bringing in ideas, and making a financial contribution. In return, they gain influence on policy, access to knowledge and networks, and acceleration of the energy transition. Interested companies can contact via energie@greenportwestholland.nl.