The greenhouses in Sexbierum are experiencing a revival. In one section, Bastiaan Borst and his son Timo have started cultivating a seed crop on 13 hectares, bringing new life to the area. Another part of the former Hartman greenhouses, which have had several owners in recent years, is now equipped with solar panels. The Schoenmakers Groep currently owns the greenhouses and intends to develop a multi-layer, daylight-free cultivation system there, according to Martijn Vermeer, the innovation and real estate manager at DSG, as reported to local broadcaster Zilt.
Vertical farms in a greenhouse full of solar panels
In 2023, the company was awarded approximately 24.6 million euros in government subsidies to install solar panels on the greenhouse complex. Through its subsidiary, BV One Solar Beheer VIII, the company received four SDE subsidies aimed at promoting sustainable energy production. Installation of the solar panels has begun on the greenhouses behind the seed cultivation facility and will be completed in phases. Martijn Vermeer explained to Zilt that initially, the electricity generated will be fed back into the grid, but the plan is to eventually use it for vertical farming.
He also mentioned that the project is quite time-consuming, but DSG is currently "in advanced discussions" with a significant market player interested in setting up vertical farming. "We are in talks with a fruit and vegetable distributor with an annual turnover of nearly 500 million euros," Vermeer added.
The first location for daylight-free cultivation is expected to be constructed by the end of this year, covering 8,000 square meters with stacked climate-controlled cells. Following this, there are plans to expand further. Vermeer mentioned that the earlier plans for seaweed cultivation remain in place and are still being actively pursued.
Glastuinbouw Nederland opposes the concept of solar panel greenhouses. While DSG is eager to explain to the trade association why such greenhouses will be successful in Sexbierum, Vermeer notes that Glastuinbouw Nederland is unwilling to engage in discussions. The trade association is actively fighting against the development of solar panel greenhouses on several fronts, with lawsuits already underway.
Greenhouses in Sexbierum, December 2023. There is clearly more activity in the area now, whether it's seed cultivation or laying solar panels on the greenhouses.