The project will trigger the starting-up of markets for solar process heat by carrying out targeted market development activities, including training of professionals, information for industrial decision makers, 12 pilot projects and the development of new services for solar contracting.

While solar heat for domestic and service applications has increasing market shares across Europe, solar process heat is very much in its infancy. The potential is enormous: about 30% of the total industrial heat demand is at temperature levels below 100°C which can be provided with commercially available solar thermal collectors. However, only about 70 installations in Europe were identified by the IEA Task 33 Solar Heat for Industrial Applications.

The project takes a strategic approach by: 

• implementing comprehensive regional campaigns in 6 European regions
• by carrying out a broad European dissemination, including an international training seminar, to ensure the impact of the project on European level
• by bringing together know-how in industrial processes (scientific partner Gertec), in solar thermal (scientific partner ISE) and in regional market development (regional partners), and by involving the main target groups - industrial and solar companies (supporting partners in the regional networks).

The project takes a trans-sectoral approach as many of the application possibilities for solar process heat identified by the IEA Task 33, such cleaning and drying, occur in a large number of companies across industrial sectors. By choosing a regional approach, the project aims to create a critical mass of interest from companies, both on the industrial and the solar side.

The IEA Task 33 reports that solar thermal systems could provide the industrial sector with 3-4% of its heat demand (up to 258 PJ/a).

The project aims to tap into these potentials by bringing together key actors and target groups, by combining perspectives and know-how of industrial and solar companies and by starting a market development process.

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