The European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) is an important step towards accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral energy system by developing low-carbon technologies quickly and at a competitive cost and focusing on the relevant research programmes to be supported by EU and Member States. The Implementation Working Groups (IWGs) are a key component of the SET Plan. These IWGs were responsible for identifying key areas of research and innovation at the European level, both from the supply and demand sides.

However, in terms of energy supply, only renewable power generation technologies have been considered till now. During multiple meetings with the Commission, it was emphasized that renewable heat should be addressed on the demand side, such as in buildings or industries. Consequently, Solar Heat Europe, the European Solar Thermal Technology Panel (ESTTP), and the European Technology and Innovation Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling (RHC-ETIP) have been working towards the adequate recognition of solar thermal and its inclusion in the SET-Plan.

At the end of 2023, it was agreed to broaden the IWG on concentrated solar thermal (formerly limited to CSP) to include all solar thermal technologies, including non-concentrated collectors.

As part of that process, the European Commission, in particular the SET-Plan Secretariat, has launched a call for expression of interest for Member States and stakeholders to join the IWG, considering the extension of its scope to encompass the whole solar thermal energy sector.

Following this expansion, the IWG will begin preparing the Implementation Plan for Non-Concentrating Solar Thermal, to present it to the SET-Plan Steering Group for approval by the end of the year. To ensure the quality and effectiveness of the implementation plan, it is essential to mobilise professionals from the solar thermal sector as well as public bodies. We expect that this involvement will only require availability for a few meetings per year, essentially online.

Therefore, we encourage experts to consider this invitation and forward it to any important stakeholders knowledgeable on non-concentrated technology and with a research profile.

The call for expressions of interest is open till 1 March 24 and is published on the SET-Plan website which can be accessed here.