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Cannabis cultivation can (and should) be 70% more economical

The current CO2 footprint of regulated (medicinal) cannabis production is 50 to 100 times higher per m² of growing area than the production of greenhouse tomatoes. This means that 35 ha of medicinal cannabis production has as high a CO2 footprint as the entire area (1,787 ha) of Dutch tomato growers under glass, Dennis Medema of Glastuinbouw Nederland observes on Kas als Energiebron. Is it possible to grow energy-neutral cannabis?

Energy-intensive cultivation
Medicinal cannabis is considered an energy-intensive crop, especially in an environment where lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and dehumidification systems account for a large share of total energy consumption. The study identifies key energy-intensive factors, such as lighting, climate control, and water and nutrition management, and proposes advanced cultivation strategies, including the use of dynamic lighting, optimization of HVAC systems, water conservation, and elimination of the vegetative phase of cultivation. By combining these strategies with renewable energy sources, the carbon footprint of cannabis cultivation can be significantly reduced. As a result, energy-neutral production may eventually become feasible. Thus, a path towards energy neutrality for the cultivation of this high-value and pharmaceutically important emerging crop can be initiated.

In Canada, (medicinal) cannabis production has been permitted for some time. This has created an industry that has 474 production plants with a total area of 187 ha. For the Netherlands, this would mean that a similar industry in the future would comprise about 90 ha of cultivation. Given the high energy requirements of this crop, it is important to anticipate this 'new' crop and make it as energy-neutral as possible.

Potential of 70% energy reduction
Simulations of implementation scenarios indicate a potential for up to 70% energy reduction in cultivation. These include new and energy-efficient cultivation methods and systems such as aeroponics, eliminating the vegetative cultivation phase, using inter-lighting, and manipulating plant architecture.

The main conclusion of the study is that achieving energy neutrality in the cannabis sector is not only a technical challenge but also economic and regulatory barriers must be overcome to create a sustainable and energy-efficient sector.

This project was carried out by Innexo and Wageningen UR Business unit greenhouse horticulture and funded and coordinated by Kas als Energiebron, an innovation program of LVVN and Glastuinbouw Nederland. Made possible in part by Kennis in je Kas (KijK). The trial was followed and supervised by growers.

Source: Greenhouse as an Energy Source

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