Windset Farm’s switch to LEDs helped it cut electricity consumption by 55 per cent
B.C.’s hydro energy is helping a Delta vegetable producer expand its greenhouse operations, making it western North America’s largest LED-lit greenhouse.
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Windset Farms’ Ladner facility worked with B.C. Hydro to upgrade to a higher-powered transmission system and switch to LEDs, allowing it to have the equivalent of 19 average-sized city blocks of lit production spread across two greenhouses.
The upgrade helps ensure a reliable, year-round supply of produce for British Columbians in the face of climate change and international trade concerns, said Energy Minister Adrian Dix.
“The issue of food security in B.C. is a fundamental question,” he said, citing recent challenges including the pandemic, drought, and wildfires. “What you see here is an important part of the response.”
Dix made the statement at a news conference at one of Windset’s LED-lit greenhouses on Friday, designating the company a clean energy champion in recognition of its work to lower its carbon footprint and adopt clean technology.
Windset, which started in 1996 in Abbotsford, is one of the largest greenhouse vegetable growers in North America with operations in Delta, California and Mexico.
B.C. Hydro said it provided $4.8 million in LED lighting incentives to Windset to switch from traditional lighting to energy-saving LEDs, cutting electricity consumption by 55 per cent.
Windset CEO Steven Newell said there’s been a push from consumers and retailers for locally grown produce. But to make that possible, there has to be adequate power available.
“Knowing we’ve got the electricity we need gives us and our retail partners certainty of assured locally grown, B.C. supply, year-round,” he said in a statement.
B.C Hydro and Windset Farms are also working on studies looking into energy-efficient lighting, battery applications, and load-displacement solutions, including on-site generation from renewable sources.