Bredefleur location Luttelgeest makes the move to geothermal energy

Peter Evers, co-owner of Bredefleur, explains how we can increasingly heat our location in Luttelgeest with geothermal heat thanks to a heat traffic circle.

At Bredefleur we like to look ahead, to the future of flowers but also to the future of our planet. Therefore we are proud that our location in Luttelgeest now has the possibility for geothermal heat, thanks to the Aardwarmte Combinatie Luttelgeest (ACL). A big step towards sustainable and climate-conscious cultivation.

Last year, the heat traffic circle was put into operation. This traffic circle connects several companies in Luttelgeest with each other so that heat can be shared. That sounds simple, but the principle is extremely powerful: where one grower or entrepreneur needs less heat, another can make good use of that heat. In this way, nothing goes to waste and we use the geothermal heat with maximum efficiency.

Participants in this heat round are four fellow growers with diverse crops and even a farm that serves as an event venue. This very diversity creates a smart balance in heat requirements throughout the year.

The geothermal heat in Luttelgeest is extracted at a depth of about 1,800 meters. From that depth, heat is brought to the surface and distributed to the connected companies. The initiative for ACL comes from plant nursery Bernhard Groep and bell pepper grower Tas Paprika. Together they have laid the foundation for a future-oriented heat supply in the region.

The effect of this step is significant:

• By switching to geothermal energy, we expect to save 11 million cubic meters of natural gas.
• Comparable to the energy consumption of some 7,300 households.

Where initially only Bernhard Group and Tas Paprika were connected, at a later stage Bredefleur could also be part of this network. Since 2021, the installation is operational and our location in Luttelgeest benefits fully from this sustainable energy source.

For us, this step means much more than just a lower energy bill. It is an important step in our ambition to reduce the ecological footprint of our lily cultivation. By connecting to geothermal heat, we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, contribute to a cleaner living environment and set a positive example for the sector.

Sustainability is never achieved alone. The success of the heat traffic circle is precisely due to the cooperation between various entrepreneurs in the region. Joining forces creates an energy supply that is not only good for the companies, but also for the environment.
At Bredefleur, we believe this is the future: growing flowers with respect for people, the environment and society.

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