In 2018, the Savéol cooperative of French tomato and strawberry producers launched the project “Savéol new energies”. As part of this project, the growers Michel Le Hir and Cathy Nlot inaugurated several energy advances in their greenhouses in Plabennec, Brittany.
The inauguration of energy advances
“We installed thermal shields to save heat,” explains Michel. “We also have a climate computer that regulates the growing conditions and a warm water storage to regulate the production and consumption of heat.” The farmers have also installed a biomass boiler which allows them to produce heat of renewable origin seven months a year, some LED lighting and a high-efficiency cogeneration plant. Michel shares his heat network with another Savéol farm.
Michel Le Hir
About the project
The idea of the project “Savéol new energies” is to bring together farmers and energy specialists to find solutions to the energy transition in greenhouses. Today, the project gathers almost 100 players. Savéol aims to use 100% renewable energy as of 2050. For now, the farmers have developed renewable energy sources for 18%.
Every year, Savéol produces 80,000 tons of tomatoes and 2,200 tons of strawberries.
For more information:
Savéol 
www.saveol.com