New webinars (Oct 18 and Oct 25)

Save energy in an integrated way

Unlock the power of Plant Empowerment principles to achieve more profitable and sustainable greenhouse cultivation, especially in today’s energy-conscious environment. Our multidisciplinary team of Plant Empowerment implementation partners has harnessed real-world insights to help growers save energy.

In addition to the course on how to save energy in an integrated way, we’re thrilled to announce two new webinars, taking place on October 18 and October 25, at 4 p.m. CEST. Register for the energy course and elevate your greenhouse practices.

Published: September 18, 2023 Share?

Webinar 1: Optimizing radiation at crop level

On October 18 we'll shed light on innovative strategies to maximize natural light usage in your greenhouse while minimizing energy consumption. Discover how advanced techniques like better screens, specialized coatings, and dynamic lighting can help you achieve the perfect balance for your plants, all while saving on energy costs.

Subscribe here

Webinar 2: How (crop) data influences energy demand

On October 25 we'll delve into using crop data to make informed decisions for optimizing energy consumption. We will delve into key crop registration parameters, including Leaf Area Index (LAI), and their correlation with the energy required for irrigation. Additionally, you will learn how to leverage local environmental conditions to optimize energy usage and translate data analysis into actionable strategies.

Subscribe here

Savings in energy lead to more profitable growth

The current record-breaking energy prices are significantly impacting high-tech horticulture. To survive the upcoming winter, many growers will need to make substantial energy savings. This cost pressure is driving companies to seek creative solutions. Some growers have opted to leave their greenhouses empty this season, while others are reducing artificial lighting or turning it off completely.

Plant Empowerment principles have been aiding growers in adopting an integrated cultivation approach for several years. This data-driven method, centered on optimizing crop balances, not only results in higher yields and improved quality but also ensures more efficient use of resources like water, nutrients, and, particularly crucial in today’s climate, energy. The success of this integrated approach has been demonstrated through various real-life projects worldwide, led by a multidisciplinary team of Plant Empowerment implementation partners. They’ve gained valuable insights into optimizing the climate through methods like screening and air movement, as well as enhancing the root zone’s health with artificial lighting. In some instances, energy savings of up to 30% have been achieved.

Reduce energy consumption while improving crop quality

In view of the current energy challenges, the specialists are keen to help growers to improve their profitability by sharing their knowledge in a four-part online course called ‘Tips and tricks for surviving the energy crisis’. Each session will focus on how an integrated approach can reduce energy consumption, while also contributing to healthier and more resilient crops.

The full course

1. How energy affects climate and plants

Energy is currently a very important topic in greenhouse horticulture. During this course, trainers Rene Beerkens and Mark van der Werf discuss what effect energy (input) has on both climate and plants. Rene will talk about the effect of less energy input on light, temperature and humidity. And with the data from the Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge he will show we can actually do more with less. In the second part of the webinar, Mark will discuss the energy level of the plant. What determines this energy level and how is it affected by less input. So a must see for every greenhouse grower!
Trainers: Mark van der Werf, Plant Health Specialist and Rene Beerkens, Climate Specialist.
2. How to reduce your energy inputs using screening and air movement

During this course, a team of specialists focuses on screens and air movement. How can you optimally insulate your greenhouse while maintaining a good and healthy climate for your plants? In the past, energy was abundant for a grower. This provided a certain margin for error. Now that the price of energy is high, fewer mistakes can be made. Balancing is key. Insulation is extra important now, growers need to insulate more while making sure there is air movement in the greenhouse. Follow this course if you want to learn more on this.
Trainers: Ton Habraken, Screening Specialist and Peter van Weel, co-author of the book Plant Empowerment. Co-trainers: Paul van Gils, Lighting Specialist
3. How to get the most out of your artificial lighting

This educational program fully focuses on artificial lighting and teaches growers how lighting can optimize efficiency. The program kicks off with an online course about artificial light, given by main trainers Stéphane André and Evripidis Papadopoulos. They focus on the various options currently available for using artificial light during the winter period, in combination with adaptive strategies and goals for this “new growing era”. How much “energy” does each system bring into the greenhouse, how efficient is each system and what is the effect on the plant both short and long term. Some side topics such as intelligent lighting will also be discussed during this course.

You can follow this program separately. Find more information here.
Trainers: Stéphane André, Lighting Specialist and Evripidis Papadopoulos, Researcher and Data analyst. Co-trainers: Rene Beerkens, Climate Specialist
4. How reduced energy inputs affect your irrigation strategy

During this course, a team of specialists cover various topics, mainly focused on creating a healthy and resilient plant and the importance of the right irrigation strategy. For example, now that energy is scarce and growers decide to give less energy, this also means that less evaporation takes place and subsequently less watering should take place. The trainers will cover irrigation strategies, substrate properties, plant genetics, nutrition, and of course which data to monitor closely.
Trainers: Remy Maat, Substrate Specialist & Rob van Dijk, Data Driven Growing Specialist Co-trainer: Richard Bremmer, Organic Substrate Specialist
Webinar: Optimizing radiation at crop level (Oct 18)

Join us for the webinar, "Optimizing Radiation at Crop Level," where we'll shed light on innovative strategies to maximize natural light usage in your greenhouse while minimizing energy consumption. Discover how advanced techniques like better screens, specialized coatings, and dynamic lighting can help you achieve the perfect balance for your plants, all while saving on energy costs.
Trainers: Stéphane André, Lighting Specialist, Paul van Gils, Coating Specialist & Bart Bakker, Screening Specialist
Webinar: How (crop) data influences energy demand (Oct 25)

Join us for the webinar, "How crop data influences energy demand" where we'll delve into using crop data for informed decision-making. Explore essential crop registration items and their growth relevance. Learn to leverage local conditions for optimizing energy use and translate data analysis into actionable strategies. Join us to master efficient energy management through data-driven insights.
Trainers: Hans de Vries, Crop Specialist, Teddy Payoga, Data Specialist and Paul de Koning, Climate Specialist

Ticket sales

The specialists will provide new insights relating to the benefits of the Plant Empowerment philosophy in the online sessions.

You can register for the full course and two webinars for €159.95*, or become a full Plant Empowerment member to gain access to all available courses, workshops, ebooks, and upcoming learning materials.*.

Full course – € 159,95
Become a full member – €29.95 for the first month, €49.95 every month thereafter

* All revenue generated by this online training course will be reinvested in the further development of the Plant Empowerment philosophy.

Click here to register

Do you have questions?

Project Manager

Jeannette den Boer

Email Jeannette

Free webinar series; Implementing Plant Empowerment

The Implementation Partners of Plant Empowerment start a free webinar ...

User story

Florensis takes next step in Plant Empowerment

Florensis takes next step in Plant Empowerment to explore nutrition ...

User story

Great Northern turns ambitions into reality thanks to Plant Empowerment

Great Northern turns ambitions into reality thanks to Plant Empowerment ...