Renewable energy is crucial for fighting climate change, with solar energy innovation ecosystems playing a pivotal role. In this context, the EU-funded SolarHub Project aims to strengthen connections between five Greek and Turkish solar energy innovation ecosystems. Specifically, it is co-developing a Hub Strategy and a Joint Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda. By implementing a diverse set of complementary interventions, it is engaging industry, government, research institutes and the public to support research and accelerate commercialisation.

Furthermore, the project started to implement joint research activities and develop four pre-designs of diverse solar energy solutions. To maximise its impact, SolarHub aims to create relevant research strategies, networking and training opportunities for stakeholders, and promote synergies between research infrastructures.

As the project celebrates its first year this December, partners convened in Julich, Germany, for a two-day agenda. This project meeting served to update partners on various work packages and enhance synergies for future milestones. Organized by the coordinator ODTÜ-GÜNAM, the project meeting featured collaborative activities among partners and a site visit facilitated by the hosting entity, DLR.

Solar Heat Europe’s role in the project includes sharing expertise on policy matters related to the energy transition and renewables. The association offers support in developing reports and guidelines, bringing technical knowledge directly or indirectly through its network of solar thermal experts and industry. Overall, Solar Heat Europe provides support for increasing collaboration and dissemination efforts, fostering a broader adoption of solar energy solutions, particularly solar thermal applications, in Greece, Turkey, and beyond.