Renewable energy is crucial for tackling climate change, with innovative solar energy solutions playing a pivotal role. The EU-funded project SolarHub aims to bridge research on solar energy technologies, such as solar PV and solar thermal, and industry to develop these solutions at a commercial scale with the goal of advancing the European Green Deal.

Specifically, SolarHub aims to strengthen connections between five Greek and Turkish solar energy innovation ecosystems to work towards this shared goal. In its first two years, the project started to implement joint research activities and develop four pre-designs of solar energy solutions, among which innovative solar thermal projects. To maximise its impact, SolarHub aims to create relevant research strategies, networking and training opportunities for stakeholders, and promote synergies between research infrastructures.

As this EU-funded project concludes its second year, regional ecosystem representatives from Greece and Türkiye and European stakeholders met in İzmir, Türkiye, for a three-day General Assembly organised by Ege Üniversitesi. This included site visits to local research facilities and institutes, an Ignite Demo Day featuring entrepreneurs, researchers and solar advocates, and a general project meeting to update each other on various work packages and enhance synergies for future milestones.

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, Türkiye, and beyond.

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.

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