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The challenge now is to find alternative energy sources that can provide a significant portion of the requirement for modern greenhouses already adopting the best available conservation practices. Simulation modeling, even with relatively simplistic modeling techniques, can provide a preliminary analysis of the expected contribution of various proposed alternative energy scenarios. The results for cogeneration fuel cells, heat pumps and industrial waste heat sources were reviewed here. The cases presented indicate the potential for a relatively simple approach for making a first level evaluation of possible energy management scenarios. The cases examined all indicate the importance of thermal storage as a management tool to increase the utilization of investments in alternative energy systems, where the energy to be delivered is not stored in the form of fossil fuel. The cases also indicate, in cases where CO 2 is being supplemented, that the additional hours of greenhouse closure provide benefits in addition to the provision of heating and cooling.