From 2021 German glasshouse growers will be charged with a CO2-tax on fossil energy fuels. Renewable energy sources will be free of charge. The tax will be in the first year 10 € per t CO2 and goes up to 35 € per t in 2025. "This means for 1 ha Cucumbers with an energy requirement of 2,673 MWh the CO2-Tax will be in 2021 per ha 7,110 € and in 2015 24,885 €", Helmuth M. Huss, senior consultant with Co Concept calculates. This Luxembourg business consultancy is specialized on the horticultural sector in Germany and familiar with the CO2-Problem.
He explains how German greenhouse growers are concerned about their future since energy costs have a strong impact on profits already. That's why Co Concept offers a first aid service to fight the growers' fears with facts. They created a calculator that helps growers forecast what the effect of the new tax will be.
“Our service provides the grower with the information they need, to use the time before the tax regulation will come into effect”, explains Helmuth, who is an expert on energy efficiency and future business development.
Example of the calculator
He advises to use the calculator and get to know what’s coming up for you. "Also growers should consider improving the energy efficiency of their greenhouses. They could use the time till the tax in 2021 is in effect in order to find out whether they have the chance to use renewable energy sources." He explains how this probably includes having to invest in their heating system.
You’ll find the calculator at: www.coconcept.lu .