thermal

European Solar Thermal Energy took off in 2006

Sales of solar thermal systems in Europe grew by 35% in 2006, according to the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF). The figure is equivalent to around 1,900 MW. "The current development in solar thermal is very encouraging”, said Mr Ole Pilgaard, President of ESTIF, “and we are positive that it will accelerate in the coming years”. According to the report, the most dynamic markets are France, UK and Germany, with growth rates ranging from 40 to 70%. France has set the objective to reach a pace of 700 MW per year by 2010, compared with the current 150 MW per year.

In order to achieve this, the Government has passed a law to deduct 50% of the value of installed facilities from the tax paid. Likewise, Italy is preparing a similar legislation with deductions reaching 55% of the taxes paid. ESTIF also points at Spain as one of the countries with the most significant growth potential ahead, thanks to the new Building Code, which calls for solar thermal facilities to be installed in each newly constructed building.

ESTIF estimates that, in the long term, Europe could cover 50% of its hot water demand by solar systems. In order to fulfill this potential, ESTIF has collaborated in the creation of the European Solar Thermal Technology Platform (ESTTP), which kickstarted last December. This new organization aims to promote the industry through the implementation of a strategy including guidelines to develop the necessary levels of research and development and proposals for industry support policies in the different EU countries.

For additional information:
www.estif.org

Baterías con premio en la gran feria europea del almacenamiento de energía
El jurado de la feria ees (la gran feria europea de las baterías y los sistemas acumuladores de energía) ya ha seleccionado los productos y soluciones innovadoras que aspiran, como finalistas, al gran premio ees 2021. Independientemente de cuál o cuáles sean las candidaturas ganadoras, la sola inclusión en este exquisito grupo VIP constituye todo un éxito para las empresas. A continuación, los diez finalistas 2021 de los ees Award (ees es una de las cuatro ferias que integran el gran evento anual europeo del sector de la energía, The smarter E).