Lighting the Way Forward: Why EMEA Growers Are Rethinking Retrofits

A New Era of Cultivation Efficiency Begins with Smarter Lighting Decisions

As cannabis cultivation continues to expand across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), a new wave of modernization is sweeping through the region’s legacy grow facilities. From Portugal to Germany, cultivators operating under strict medical and agricultural standards are increasingly recognizing that outdated high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting systems are no longer compatible with the high-efficiency, high-performance demands of today’s regulated cannabis markets.

While North America’s more mature cannabis landscape has embraced LED lighting in new construction, many EMEA facilities were built years before LED technology became standard. That’s led to a unique opportunity—and challenge—for cultivators: how to retrofit aging HPS systems without disrupting production or compromising plant quality.

Franz Josef Sima, a veteran cultivator and Plant Specialist based in Austria, has been working with growers across the region to help guide them through this transition. “The industry is still young in many parts of EMEA,” Sima says, “but what’s changed is the urgency. Growers are realizing they can’t afford to wait—LED retrofits aren’t just about saving energy anymore. They’re about growing better, faster, and smarter.”

The Business Case: Performance Meets Profitability

For many cultivators, the decision to retrofit comes down to economics. Rising energy prices, pressure to deliver pharmaceutical-grade consistency, and the constant drive to increase yields are pushing growers to reconsider the role lighting plays in their profitability.

“In the past, growers stuck with what worked,” says Sima. “HPS was familiar, predictable, and part of the culture. But the landscape has changed. Electricity prices spiked, and even though they’re stabilizing, that scare made people take a hard look at their operating costs.”

The numbers support the shift. In facilities where Fluence LEDs have replaced HPS fixtures, growers are seeing significant improvements not only in energy savings but also in plant performance. “We now see cultivators achieving 1,5 kilograms per square meter, compared to 1,0 with HPS,” Sima notes. “And in some cases, they’re shaving days off their crop cycles. Faster crops and more yield—those are powerful incentives.”
That acceleration means a faster return on investment, often within just a few harvests. In one project Sima led, a grower moved from 5,5 crop cycles per year to six. “That extra half cycle is a big deal,” he explains. “When you factor in energy savings, improved quality, and higher yields, the retrofit pays for itself very quickly—sometimes in just one or two runs.”

Overcoming Barriers to Retrofit in EMEA

Despite the clear benefits, retrofitting isn’t always straightforward. Many facilities built during the early days of cannabis regulation were designed around the specific demands of HPS lighting. Ceiling heights, HVAC sizing, and electrical infrastructure may all need to be adjusted to accommodate modern LED systems.
“It’s not always plug-and-play,” Sima admits. “You can’t just swap fixtures and expect the same results. LEDs have different thermal properties, different spectra, and much higher photon output. That means your irrigation system, your HVAC, even your drippers might need rethinking.”

Fluence’s team of cultivation specialists work closely with clients to assess these variables. From mapping light distribution to evaluating nutrient delivery and climate control systems, the goal is to make each retrofit as seamless—and successful—as possible.

One of the biggest breakthroughs for simplifying retrofits has been the development of the RAPTR series. “With RAPTR, you can take out a 1000W HPS and install a high-performance LED without rewiring the whole room,” says Sima. “That’s huge. For growers who can’t afford extended downtime or major construction, it makes the transition viable.”
He continues: “We had one project with over 140.000 watts of HPS in a single room. Switching to other LED systems would’ve required total electrical redesign. But with RAPTR, it became a straightforward replacement. That’s why I call it the HPS killer—it’s purpose-built to make retrofitting realistic.”

Shifting Mindsets: The Cultural Evolution of European Cultivation

Beyond the technical challenges, Sima believes the bigger hurdle is psychological. “There’s a saying in Austria: ‘What the farmer doesn’t know, he doesn’t eat.’ That cautious mentality has shaped how growers approach new technology.”
Having spent years cultivating cannabis himself, Sima understands the hesitance. “That’s why Fluence focuses so heavily on education and support. “We don’t just sell lights,” he explains. “We help growers rethink their entire strategy. It’s not just about swapping fixtures—it’s about matching micro-mole levels, adjusting nutrients, managing environment, and ultimately delivering better plant health.”

He recalls one project vividly: a greenhouse running 6.240 plants across 11 different cultivars. “I stayed on site every day for the first crop to make sure everything was perfect. We pushed THC from 23% to 30%, just by optimizing the lighting and fine-tuning the environment. That’s the kind of result that changes minds.”

Tailored Support: The Human Element in a Technical Transition

One of the reasons Fluence has become a trusted partner across EMEA is its commitment to on-the-ground support. Sima and his team work hand-in-hand with cultivators, walking through facility evaluations, lighting design, installation planning, and post-installation optimization.

“We’re not just advisors—we’re partners,” Sima says. “Every project is different, and every facility has its own set of constraints. Our job is to understand those details and help growers make informed decisions that will serve them long-term.”

This hands-on approach has earned Fluence a reputation for reliability in a market that still prizes caution. “We don’t just disappear after the sale,” he adds. “We’re there for the first crop, helping dial things in, monitoring results, and making sure the investment pays off.”

What’s Next for EMEA Retrofits?

The pace of LED retrofitting in EMEA is accelerating. Regulatory shifts—such as Germany’s recent movement toward adult-use legalization—are likely to further push the market toward modern, energy-efficient cultivation methods. For existing growers, that means planning for upgrades that will keep them competitive.

Sima believes the retrofit wave is just getting started. “What we’re seeing now is a shift in mindset,” he says. “It’s no longer just about saving on the electricity bill. It’s about growing better plants, using fewer resources, and being prepared for whatever the market or the regulators throw at you next.”

For EMEA growers navigating the complex path of compliance, consistency, and cost control, LED retrofitting is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity.

Franz Josef Sima is a fourth-generation grower and has worked in the European cannabis industry for over 10 years, from selling clones to growing equipment. Franz has extensive international experience, from designing EU GMP facilities in North Macedonia to successfully helping projects reach their goals faster in South Africa. Franz works as Fluence’s EMEA Cannabis Horticulture Service Specialist.

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