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Heat source runs deep for some Dutch growers

September 4, 2014  By Dave Harrison


Sept. 4, 2014, the Netherlands – The Energy Combination Wieringermeer
(ECW) assisted by VB Group, has chosen Hoogendoorn and partner Van der
Laan for automating the geothermal project and the associated park
management in the area Agriport A7 in the Netherlands.

Sept. 4, 2014, the Netherlands – The Energy Combination Wieringermeer (ECW) assisted by VB Group, has chosen Hoogendoorn and partner Van der Laan for automating the geothermal project and the associated park management in the area Agriport A7 in the Netherlands.

With the drilling of geothermal wells, this special project is a next step towards a sustainable energy supply.

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The Energy Combination Wieringermeer is a partnership in the field of energy between the companies established in the Agriport A7 location. The geothermal project aims to contribute to sustainable heat for eight major greenhouse companies in an area of 300 hectares in total.

Hoogendoorn is providing the automation for this major project and Van der Laan is delivering the electrical installation.

TWELVE KILOMETRES OF PIPING TO SUPPLY GREENHOUSES

The two wells now being drilled are just a start; more wells and related systems will be added as required. About 12 kilometres of special piping is used to transport heat to the participating companies.

To keep the efficiency as high as possible, ECW has high demands on the control accuracy, reliability and scalability of the automation. With the premium process control of Hoogendoorn, ECW can meet these requirements.

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The first well is being drilled to a depth of over 2,500 metres. This requires a derrick 52 metres tall, with a capacity of 350 tons.

In total, four wells are being drilled, with two used to draw the water up. The two others serve to bring the water back into the soil to warm it up again.

WATER TEMPERATURE OF 90 DEGREES

The pumped water has a temperature that exceeds 90 degrees. This relatively high temperature is favourable for the heat output.


As this total greenhouse complex will use geothermal energy as a renewable energy source, the pump can continue to run day and night. Consequently, the well provides a high return on investment.
 
In addition, geothermal energy reduces CO2 emissions by 70 per cent when compared to traditional heating. Gas savings of at least 15 per cent are calculated for the greenhouse companies.

According to the Rabobank, the use of geothermal energy in horticulture means a drop in national natural gas consumption by about two per cent.

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 Members of the project team.


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