Solar Heat Europe has successfully ensured that all solar thermal technologies be included as part of the work led by the EU on research & innovation for key technologies under the SET Plan. The European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) is a key stepping-stone to boost the transition towards a climate-neutral energy system through the development of low-carbon technologies in a fast and cost-competitive way.
A dedicated Implementation Working Group (IWG) addressing BOTH concentrated and non-concentrated technologies has been approved, composed of experts from the European Commission, Member States, Research Institutes and industry who will meet on a regular basis to advise on relevant research and innovation projects for Solar Thermal technologies. This expanded IWG is led by the Spanish Authority.
In that context, Solar Heat Europe, together with various industry experts, has been leading recently that drafting of the Non-Concentrated Solar Thermal (NCST) Implementation Plan, identifying priority research and innovation areas for the sector for the next decade. This Plan is now open for consultation and feedback till 3rd October, with first deadline for comments preferably by 22nd Sept.
The draft outlines four activity areas: next-generation collectors, advanced systems and digital tools, building integration, and large-scale deployment.
Once finalised, the plan will be submitted for final adoption by the EU commission and SET Plan Steering Group meeting in fall.
Feedback can be submitted via email to pedro.dias@solarheateurope.eu.
Feel free to contact the Solar Heat Europe secretariat should you have you question on this.