Belgian manufacturer Tomerel boosts brightness levels and cuts energy costs by retrofitting with Fluence LEDs

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Fluence, a leading global provider of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial cannabis and food production, announced today its partnership with Tomerel, a tomato grower based in Antwerp, Belgium. Together, the two companies renovated half of Tomerel’s greenhouse, replacing high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting with LEDs, which increased light levels by 40 %, while reducing energy consumption by 5 %.

Tomerel is a multigenerational family-owned business led by its CEO and co-owner, Jelle de Ryck, the son of founders Els and Eric. Tomerel specializes in growing tomatoes in greenhouses, with a particular focus on vine-ripened cherry tomatoes. Like many growers in the region, Jelle de Ryck expanded the family operation by installing additional SHP lighting. However, when Jelle wanted to maximize the greenhouse’s light output and energy efficiency, he turned to Fluence’s advanced LED technology.

«When we set out to find a partner who could help us upgrade our lighting, we weren’t just looking for light fixtures—we were looking for a team that could work with us to develop strategies, from installation through to harvest. Fluence provided us with that service—and so much more,» said Jelle.

Following the installation of Fluence’s VYPR 3p ceiling lighting solution, the former critical limitations of the facility’s lighting strategy have become opportunities to boost production and reduce energy costs. Traditional SHP fixtures generate excess heat and offer inflexible spectral options. In contrast, Fluence LEDs operate at a lower temperature and utilize a more efficient spectrum. Given the surge in energy prices in the region, the reduced load on the greenhouse’s HVAC system, combined with the LEDs’ overall more efficient energy consumption, has enabled Tomerel to reduce its electricity usage while increasing light levels.

«Fluence’s technology has enabled us to succeed in many ways. Energy efficiencies have allowed us to sell 25 % of excess energy back to the grid and reduce our gas consumption by 5 %. The plants are also growing well under the LEDs. We’ve seen an improvement in quality and yield during the winter months, an increase in stem density, and improved sugar translocation at night,» added Jelle.

Working closely with Fluence’s technical team, Tomerel implemented a PhysioSpec™ DUAL R9B spectral strategy to optimize plant performance. This strategy enabled Tomerel to reduce its energy consumption by 5 %, despite a 40 % increase in light intensity, ensuring better growing conditions for Tomerel’s tomato crop. As a result, Tomerel also increased its yield by more than 5 %, even though the facility receives 5 % less natural light during the winter season. Tomerel also observed an increase in overall fruit weight following the renovation.

«It’s fascinating to see producers like Tomerel making smart and innovative farming decisions regarding their energy consumption,» said Timo Bongartz, Fluence’s Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. «The Tomerel team is saving energy wherever possible, while optimizing its facility so that it can sell energy back to the grid. And all of these results are achieved without sacrificing plant quality. Fluence is delighted to support Tomerel in managing a sustainable greenhouse.»

Using Fluence’s technology, the Tomerel team sold 25 % of additional electricity—generated by the greenhouse through cogeneration—back to the grid during periods of high energy prices and reduced its total gas consumption by 5 %.

To learn more about Fluence, visit www.fluence.science.

About Fluence

Fluence Bioengineering, Inc. (Fluence) develops powerful, energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial crop production and research applications. As a leading provider of LED lighting in the global cannabis market, Fluence is committed to enabling more efficient crop production for the world’s top growers, whether in vertical farms or greenhouses. Fluence’s global headquarters are located in Austin, Texas, and the company also has a headquarters for the EMEA region in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Fluence operates as a business unit within Signify’s Digital Solutions division. To learn more about Fluence, visit www.fluence.science.

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