Solar Thermal Action Plan presented
Industry says: With clear targets and the right policies solar thermal can reduce fuel costs for millions of citizens and save millions of tonnes of CO2
Brussels -- The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) published today a Solar Thermal Action Plan for Europe. The document spells out the benefits of solar heating and a clear target for 2020. Concrete guidelines for support measures shall help policy makers implement effective policies.
“Millions of citizens in Europe already heat their water and their living spaces with solar thermal technologies”, says ESTIF president Ole Pilgaard. “But in many countries, solar thermal markets have not yet reached the critical mass for self-sustained growth. We have therefore developed clear recommendations for effective support policies – based on our experience in many countries”.
ESTIF proposes an ambitious target: By 2020, the EU should aim at reaching 1 square metre of collector area for every European – 320 GWth of installed capacity. More than 19 million tons of oil equivalent would be produced annually by this collector area, thus replacing precious oil, gas and electricity.
The 26 page Action Plan details how a positive and stable support framework can be designed to reach this ambitious target. Not just one single measure, but a coherent mix of support policies has shown to be most effective, say the authors. Binding regulations requiring the use of solar thermal are recommended for new buildings and major refurbishments. Financial incentives can speed up the introduction of solar thermal in existing buildings. Flanking measures, such as awareness raising, training of professionals and R&D funding are important for the long-term success of the solar thermal markets.
“This Solar Thermal Action Plan can be used by policy makers at national, regional or local level to help implement meaningful support policies and to address the issues most pressing for solar thermal at this stage”, says Nigel Cotton, chairman of ESTIF’s Advisory Council. “These guidelines can be used immediately. And they will be valuable for the implementation of a coming EU Directive addressing renewable heating and cooling”.
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