Smart Farming at Jef Adriaensen’s Strawberry Greenhouses
In Hoogstraten, Jef Adriaensen, who took over his family’s business, is taking strawberries and sustainability to the next level. With the help of Octave, Yuso, and Eco Technics, his high-tech greenhouse now combines solar panels, battery storage, and smart imbalance steering to cut costs and generate income—while keeping the operation nearly 100% rainwater circular.
Jef’s 5.5-hectare operation—featuring both glass and plastic greenhouses—has become a model of agricultural innovation. A water system that collects, filters, and reuses rainwater covers 95% of the farm’s needs, while biological controls and UV treatments keep pesticide use to a minimum. Even the runoff from planters is recovered and treated, creating a nearly closed water loop.
Energy efficiency is a major focus too. With 150 kWp of solar capacity and a 242 kWh battery installed by Eco Technics and steered by Octave and Yuso, Jef now earns from the imbalance market. Thanks to the integration of Octave’s battery, energy can be stored during the day and discharged when demand (and prices) are high—turning energy into flexibility.
From LED lighting that accelerates plant growth to a composting process that recycles used soil, this strawberry farm proves that sustainable farming and smart tech go hand in hand. And by phasing plantings across the different greenhouse types, Jef can maintain a steady harvest and manage labor efficiently with one permanent team.
The result? Lower energy bills, reduced environmental impact, and a resilient business model ready for the future.
Read the whole story by Yuso here.
