| Title | Heating greenhouses with geothermal energy |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kiril Popovski, Sanja Popovska-Vasilevska |
| Year | 2003 |
| Conference | International Geothermal Workshop, Russia |
| Keywords | Greenhouses, geothermal heat |
| Abstract | Geothermal energy has been used most extensively in agriculture in greenhouse heating. Many European and other countries are experimenting, but also regularly using geothermal energy for commercial out-of-season production of vegetables1 flowers and fruits. Although not in order of importance the reasons for choosing geothermal energy in this sector are: 1. Good correlation between the sites of greenhouse production areas and low enthalpy geothermal reservoirs. 2 The fact that greenhouses are one of the largest energy consumers in agriculture. 3 Geothermal energy requires relatively simple heating systems, but advanced computerized installations can later be added for total conditioning of the inside climate in the greenhouses. 4. Economic competitiveness of geothermal energy for greenhouse heating in many situations. 5. Strategic importance of energy sources that are locally available for food production. As with other uses of geothermal energy, it is not possible to make a general statement that greenhouse heating is the optimal form of application. Each situation must be evaluated separately, and local factors play a decisive role in any decision making. |