Greenhouse horticulture in the Netherlands is against an increased solar field near Venlo

Greenhouse Horticulture Netherlands has submitted an enforcement request to the municipality of Venlo against an elevated solar field in Velden in Limburg. The solar field uses a greenhouse horticulture permit and is constructed on a greenhouse construction. The greenhouse is not used for greenhouse horticulture and therefore the solar field is in conflict with the zoning plan.

According to the trade association, entrepreneurs are increasingly being approached to make their greenhouse roof available for a raised sunbathing lawn or to sell their greenhouse for this purpose. This growth is partly because the use of agricultural land for installing solar fields has been restricted since 2023.

Data from Glastuinbouw Nederland shows that 100 hectares of greenhouses in future-proof areas are now covered with solar panels. In these greenhouses there is no question of any form of commercial cultivation of crops.

Building permit for greenhouse since 2009

The 15 hectare plot in question in Velden has had a building permit for a greenhouse since 2009. The permit and the land were sold to an investment company in 2022. Construction of a greenhouse structure was then started, on which solar panels were subsequently placed. The solar field has been in operation since 2023.

According to Glastuinbouw Nederland, the raised solar field requires a permit and is in conflict with the zoning plan. The trade organization has therefore asked the municipality of Venlo to enforce this. By large-scale installation of solar panels on the greenhouse roof for interesting rental income with long terms, the land is withdrawn from greenhouse horticulture for a long time, if not permanently.

‘That limits the business and business climate for greenhouse horticulture companies,’ says Glastuinbouw Nederland. ‘This can lead to the aging of the area, a lack of sustainability opportunities, an increase in improper use and a negative image of the future sustainability of an area.’

In addition to the request for enforcement, Glastuinbouw Nederland has requested an investigation into the legality of SDE subsidies granted for such projects. ‘At solitary locations, sun on the greenhouse roof can certainly be an exit option for a retiring entrepreneur,’ reports the organization.