Pilot project to utilize geothermal for sustainable greenhouses in Greece

The transition of the Region of Western Macedonia to the metallignant era creates the need to seek new-sustainable development models for the region through the use of geothermal and other innovative techniques in greenhouses . The agricultural sector can contribute to the increase of jobs that the region needs, so local news this week in Greece.

The region of Western Macedonia has advantages that make it possible to grow crops in greenhouses . In the area is located the geothermal field of local interest Aetos Florina that can be used to meet the needs.

The pilot research application of greenhouse crops for potential investors and producers with the utilization of hot water from the field of Limnochori – Aetos – Valtoneros of the municipality of Amyntaio of Florina will be implemented by the Laboratory of Agricultural Construction and Equipment of the University. . The research will be funded by the Region of Western Macedonia.

The object of the research will be the investigation of the ability and adequacy of the geothermal field of 7.6 square kilometers to cover both the heating needs of modern greenhouses and the possibility of using hot water for the cultivation of asparagus , so that there are ways to use it in the future. The temperature of the geothermal reservoir is 25-36 degrees Celsius.

As Thomas Kotsopoulos, Associate Professor of the Department of Agriculture at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , explained , the pilot greenhouse will be equipped with a heat pump and a heat curtain to reduce its energy needs. In addition, the program will train producers, agronomists and students in greenhouse crops and new technologies in greenhouses, in order to be able to staff future jobs that will potentially be created in the field of greenhouse crops in the region.

“The expected passage of the natural gas network from the area makes it possible to install SITHYA units, the waste heat of which can be used in greenhouses to meet thermal needs,” said Mr. Kotsopoulos.

The ultimate goal of the consortium research is to draw safe conclusions and create a structured business plan for the possibility of building economically and environmentally sustainable greenhouses – agricultural holdings in the area, which will either attract investors or be a working object of the locals. their.

Source: Green Agenda