The document has been developed by the solar thermal technology panel of the RHC-Platform and it is now available for public consultation until 28 February 2014.
The roadmap is an important tool for the implementation of Solar Thermal Strategic Research Priorities, as well as the RHC-Platform Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda. It focuses on three main solar thermal solutions in order to meet important 2020 challenges. These concern industrial applications, retrofitting opportunities and the new-build sector, and the NZEBs (Nearly-Zero Energy Buildings). The solutions are provided by solar heat for industrial processes (SHIP), solar compact hybrid heating systems (SCOHYS) and the solar active house (SAH).
The version of the document released for consultation incorporates contributions gleaned at a dedicated validation workshop, which took place on 22 January 2014 at the Renewable Energy House in Brussels. Solar thermal industry stakeholders are invited to contribute their expertise to improve this document; the deadline for feedback submissions is 28 February 2014. They are also invited to send formal support letters for the goals expressed in the roadmap.
“The solutions proposed in this roadmap will play an important role in the future competitiveness of the sector and will help to place solar thermal among the main renewable heating and cooling options in the market” said Gerhard Stryi-Hipp, President of the RHC-Platform. “We invite the industry to formally support this roadmap. Their support is crucial for this document to gain strong recognition from national and European decision makers.”
Dr Tommy Williamson, Product Development Director at Kingspan Environmental, added that the roadmap highlights the challenges and goals for Solar Thermal technologies and research programmes for 2020 and beyond. In order to meet these goals industry, research institutes and policy makers must work together to provide sustainable, secure, cost effective solar thermal technologies for today and the future
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