Mohsen Arzani - Graduated MSc Student, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran

In most part of Iran, greenhouses according to the nature of their structures are large energy consumer. In addition, new type of established greenhouses in Iran is more electric energy power dependent. The aim of present research was to monitor the current situation of electric power energy consumption in the Iranian greenhouse industry. This is obvious that growing plants under greenhouse culture system is highly energy dependent and the degree of energy consumption depends on various factors. Optimum temperature, light, humidity, using advanced irrigation systems as well as specific nutrient solutions or CO2 enrichment leads to the higher yield with enough return. According to the observations, the waste of energy in the most greenhouses is higher than standards, in which needs to be optimized. The light sources are one of the good examples as well as energy used for heating or cooling or other greenhouse operation systems. In addition, type of the greenhouses needs to be re-evaluated based on the specific environmental conditions where the greenhouses are going to be established. In terms of using lower energy, it would be better to select regions with having many clear days for greenhouse production. Our results suggest that the benefits from renewable energy sources for the greenhouse industry needs to be improved in terms of suitable type of greenhouse structures and the materials used. The present research showed that the current situation and future developmental plan for the country shows a dramatic increase of electric power consumption in which the present amount of generation is not enough for future demand. The excessive use of fossil fuels leads to a sharp depletion of existed sources in which is not just for current Iran’s generation, so future generation also needs to benefit these sources of energy. In conclusion, it is essential to search and do appropriate action for using some alternative sources of energy such as hydro, geothermal, solar, wind and other renewable sources of energy.

Greenhouse industry of Iran, energy consumption, electric power energy, greenhouse plants, horticultural crops, fossil fuel, renewable energy