Today, following several weeks of political stalemate after the Commissioner hearings, the new European Commission was officially approved by the European Parliament. This is a relevant step in a complex process, and the solar thermal sector is ready to work on the challenges ahead together with the new College with the objective to triple its EU based manufacturing capacity by 2030.
The affordability of energy and housing as well as Europe’s industrial competitiveness are just a few of the current challenges for which urgent action and a strong College are needed. The solar thermal sector is ready to be a key solution here: With Dan Jørgensen having to address the reduction of Russian gas imports and energy affordability, the installation of alternative and mature technologies, such as solar heat, is crucial. This homegrown, reliable and renewable energy source will also protect the most vulnerable households from fluctuating energy prices.
As the EU executive is expected to deliver a Clean Industrial Deal in the first 100 days, Solar Heat Europe is ready to assist Stéphane Séjourné and Teresa Ribera in their work on strengthening Europe’s industrial competitiveness. With more than 225 EU manufacturing companies in its network, Solar Heat Europe highlights the important role which the solar thermal industry plays in boosting local economies in Europe by providing thousands of jobs and supplying 90% of the domestic demand. With proper incentives in place, the European solar thermal sector is ready to triple its EU based manufacturing capacity by 2030.
Guglielmo Cioni, President of Solar Heat Europe, commented: “There is no time to waste. With two of the key challenges being Europe’s competitiveness and energy security, a scale-up of homegrown, affordable and clean solutions like solar heat is imperative. The European solar thermal is ready to deliver on the target of tripling solar thermal capacity in Europe by 2030”.
Valérie Séjourné, Managing Director of Solar Heat Europe, concluded: “We call on policymakers at EU and national level to create an enabling regulatory and financial framework to accelerate the uptake of solar heat by local governments, citizens and industrial users. The race towards the 90% target for 2040 must continue to set the pace and we as Solar Heat Europe will work constructively with the new College to protect our European industry and help everyone benefit from our sustainable and renewable heat source”.
Read our policy recommendations for the new EU policymakers: https://solarheateurope.eu/solar-heat-is-smart/
Discover our latest market report (reporting 41Gwth of installed capacity in 2023): Solar-Thermal-Market_outlook_2023_2024_spreads.pdf
About Solar Heat Europe/ESTIF:
Solar Heat Europe/ESTIF’s mission is to promote solar heat as a key technology for the decarbonisation of heating and cooling in Europe and to realise the high potential of solar heat in the energy transition. With members in more than 15 European countries, Solar Heat Europe members cover different parts of the value chain, being based in countries as diverse as Finland or Cyprus.
Contact:
Valérie Séjourné
Managing Director
valerie.sejourne@solarheateurope.eu
Tel: +32 471 34 19 24