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Heating for eating: What UK horticulture can learn from its European neighbours about utilising surplus heat

Hardy, Edward LU (2022) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20221
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Heating is a big factor in protected horticulture and current high fuel prices mean many UK growers cannot afford to plant this season’s crops. Meanwhile, vast quantities of surplus heat exist, often an unwanted by-product of other industries. Theoretically, this heat could be used to offset fossil fuel consumption in horticulture, reducing cost and environmental impact. Despite technical and economic feasibility, however, social challenges may hinder the energy transition.

Applying a multi-level perspective, I analyse how successful operations around Europe have overcome socio-techno-economic challenges. Collaboration between regime-level actors is an essential component, allowing commodification and utilisation of existing waste... (More)
Heating is a big factor in protected horticulture and current high fuel prices mean many UK growers cannot afford to plant this season’s crops. Meanwhile, vast quantities of surplus heat exist, often an unwanted by-product of other industries. Theoretically, this heat could be used to offset fossil fuel consumption in horticulture, reducing cost and environmental impact. Despite technical and economic feasibility, however, social challenges may hinder the energy transition.

Applying a multi-level perspective, I analyse how successful operations around Europe have overcome socio-techno-economic challenges. Collaboration between regime-level actors is an essential component, allowing commodification and utilisation of existing waste streams.

The desire within UK horticulture for inter- and intra-industry collaboration at the regime level appears to be less strong than in other nations investigated. Even strong economic incentives may not be enough to overcome social hurdles, such as relocation. Cultural norms and nuanced ways of working do not necessarily translate readily between countries. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Hardy, Edward LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20221
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Energy Transition, Multi-level Perspective, Net-Zero, Sustainability Science, Waste Heat, Horticulture
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2022:008
language
English
id
9081650
date added to LUP
2022-05-30 09:44:12
date last changed
2022-06-02 10:54:08
@misc{9081650,
  abstract     = {{Heating is a big factor in protected horticulture and current high fuel prices mean many UK growers cannot afford to plant this season’s crops. Meanwhile, vast quantities of surplus heat exist, often an unwanted by-product of other industries. Theoretically, this heat could be used to offset fossil fuel consumption in horticulture, reducing cost and environmental impact. Despite technical and economic feasibility, however, social challenges may hinder the energy transition.

Applying a multi-level perspective, I analyse how successful operations around Europe have overcome socio-techno-economic challenges. Collaboration between regime-level actors is an essential component, allowing commodification and utilisation of existing waste streams.

The desire within UK horticulture for inter- and intra-industry collaboration at the regime level appears to be less strong than in other nations investigated. Even strong economic incentives may not be enough to overcome social hurdles, such as relocation. Cultural norms and nuanced ways of working do not necessarily translate readily between countries.}},
  author       = {{Hardy, Edward}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Heating for eating: What UK horticulture can learn from its European neighbours about utilising surplus heat}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}