Demand for high-tech greenhouses continues to grow steadily across Spain’s main production hubs and in expanding international markets. This is confirmed by J. Huete Greenhouses, the Almería-based greenhouse constructor operating in more than 40 countries, which has recently completed in the province of Almería one of the most technologically advanced greenhouses currently in operation in the region: a 3.2-hectare facility equipped with integrated active climate control systems, air recirculation, CO₂ utilisation and high-efficiency heating designed to operate under fully optimised year-round conditions.
Tailor-made investment
The cost of these infrastructures remains the main barrier for growers. However, according to J. Huete Greenhouses, the increase in productivity justifies the investment in the medium term. The company advocates tailor-made projects without oversizing, where each technology responds to a real agronomic need. Its turnkey approach, with in-house design, manufacturing and installation, reduces risks and uncertainty for growers.
Most demanded technologies in Spain
In the domestic market, Almería and the Region of Murcia account for the highest level of activity. Heating systems (boilers, underfloor heating and rail pipe systems) lead technological adoption, followed by hydroponics, water recirculation and double plastic coverings to improve thermal insulation.
The integration of semi-transparent solar panels on greenhouse roofs is still under research, as their benefits for crops have not yet been fully demonstrated. Transitioning from less-technified structures towards high-tech solutions is more affordable than generally perceived, as it does not necessarily require glass or heating across the entire production area.
Investment capital seeks agronomic partners
The arrival of investment capital into the horticultural sector requires partners with strong agronomic expertise. J. Huete Greenhouses acts as a strategic partner in these processes, sizing each project according to real needs and providing technical guarantees to investors.
Its recent agreement with Repsol to offer exclusive energy conditions to clients reinforces this positioning as a comprehensive partner.
Middle East and Central Asia, new hotspots
In international markets, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates are concentrating highly complex projects, with strong demand for active cooling systems due to extreme climatic conditions.
Uzbekistan is emerging as a rapidly expanding market driven by capital investment, while the United States, Canada and Mexico are strengthening their commitment to high-tech systems, especially in nurseries, berries and medicinal crops.
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Geopolitical uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz introduces additional risk variables, although without altering the structural trend towards greater global technification.
CO₂ and recirculation: the technical advantage
The greenhouse recently completed by J. Huete Greenhouses in Almería incorporates a system capable of supplying up to 150 kg of CO₂ per hour per hectare from combustion, directly boosting the photosynthetic rate.
Combined with active air recirculation, which eliminates humidity pockets and reduces the risk of fungal diseases, this system places the facility at the forefront of agronomic efficiency in the region.
