A heat pump extracts energy from natural sources and converts it into usable heat for greenhouse operations. Air-to-water heat pumps capture heat from the outside air, water-to-water heat pumps extract energy from groundwater or surface water. Both deliver a stable source of renewable heat, often combined with cold storage or aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) for maximum efficiency.

A gas boiler converts one unit of gas into roughly one unit of heat. A heat pump delivers 3 to 5 units of heat per unit of electricity. This results in lower energy costs, significant CO₂ reduction and the option to integrate renewable energy such as solar power and geothermal sources.

The required heating capacity depends on the crop and desired climate conditions. As an indication: for a 1-hectare greenhouse in a moderate climate such as Oregon's, the average heating demand ranges from 800 to 1,200 kW. VB always performs a detailed calculation based on insulation, screening systems, greenhouse orientation, and crop planning. By combining precise sizing with buffering and smart control systems, the efficiency and performance of the heat pump are maximized.

 Both. In moderate climates, heat pumps can often serve as the main heating source. In colder regions, combining a heat pump with a gas boiler or geothermal energy source provides the most reliable solution, ensuring continuous heating while keeping fossil fuel use to a minimum.

Yes. Heat produced by the pump is stored in a buffer tank and distributed through the existing pipe heating network. This allows the system to handle peak demand without forcing the heat pump to run continuously at full load, which extends its lifespan and improves overall efficiency.