Smart energy transition in the greenhouse

OK Plant opts for future-proof installation by Certhon

Sustainable, efficient, and ready for the future: OK Plant recently commissioned an innovative heating and cooling system by Certhon. Featuring an impressive 1-million-liter thermal buffer tank, two powerful heat pumps, and a smart system for storing and reusing heat, this installation is a strong example of modern energy management in greenhouse horticulture. Marcel Olsthoorn, Technical Manager at OK Plant, is enthusiastic: “This is a fantastic improvement! We’re already seeing a monthly reduction in our natural gas consumption.”

Reusing residual heat instead of wasting it
Where excess heat was previously discharged via the cooling tower, it is now cleverly stored in the buffer tank and reused later, for example, at night. The heat pumps supply both cold and heat, and thanks to the smart buffer system, no energy is wasted. The cooling tower remains available as a backup but only activates when the buffer is full and additional cooling is still needed.

More control and fewer malfunctions
The Certhon Control System was also fully updated. Thanks to this upgrade, the OK Plant team now has full insight into all energy flows. “The software package is a major upgrade for us,” says Marcel. “Monitoring and having a clear overview give us more control over the greenhouse climate. As a result, the system runs more smoothly, and we’ve had significantly fewer malfunctions. And the fact that we can access the system from anywhere really adds to our job satisfaction.”

Step by step towards a more sustainable greenhouse
The motivation behind this step in energy management was clear: long-term operational reliability. “We wanted to ensure the continuity of the installation. And if you’re going to invest, you might as well go all in. The combination of a new control system, modern heat pumps, and the thermal buffer makes the difference,” says Marcel. When asked what advice he would give other growers, he replies: “Think carefully about the technology that’s available today. You don’t have to do everything at once, but each step you take can already make a big improvement.”

Reliable collaboration
Certhon supported the project from design to completion. “The communication was good. The most important thing is being available as a supplier, and Certhon definitely was,” says Marcel. “The installation runs smoothly and delivers exactly what we need. It’s future-ready.”

With this all-in-one solution, Certhon demonstrates that energy management in greenhouses can be smarter and more sustainable—without compromising reliability. The energy flows in OK Plant’s greenhouse are now optimally controlled, ensuring maximum use of generated heat and minimal waste.