Most greenhouse horticultural companies looking to cut CO2 emissions with Ocap agree with the variable price system. In this system, the price of biogenic CO2 is linked to a rate under the SDE++ subsidy scheme. It is assumed that the price may vary within a throughput range of around 10 euros per ton.
By making a commitment, Ocap’s CO2 supplier has the clarity to develop a business plan for CO2 capture in waste management facilities. According to Dennis Medema from Glastuinbouw Nederland, Ocap is going to invest in several projects with an SDE++ subsidy. “If this continues, greenhouse growers will have confidence in their CO2 supply for at least fifteen years,” says Veg & veg’s Medema.
This is probably good news for many gardeners. During a recent webinar on CO2 supply, almost all eighty participants indicated that CO2 is “crucial or very important” to business operations. Even if the price rises, most of them still want to get CO2 from Ocap. As a last resort, if there is no subsidy at all, Ocap estimates that CO2 emissions could cost a maximum of 100 euros per tonne.
By the way, it should be noted that the price that greenhouse growers now pay to Ocap for CO2 is not completely fixed. Ocap charges an additional fee to cover electricity costs. Fruits and vegetables indicate that this is a fairly variable amount.
Figures from Wageningen Economic Research show how much external CO2 would be needed if the sector were to be completely emission-free by 2040. “If we take into account that by that time CO2 will be processed more efficiently, the need will be about 2.5 million tons,” the research institute says. “Energy companies producing waste collectively emit 8 million tonnes, of which 66 percent is biogenic CO2 emissions.”
