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Did you know?

Did you know there is a cheaper way to address the climate and energy security crises than electrification? 

It may come as a surprise that solar thermal can be cheaper than electrification. Nevertheless, millions of Europeans already benefit from competitive solar thermal solutions. For instance, a small, low-cost thermosiphon system (2.8 kWth) with diurnal thermal storage (12.7 kWhth), can supply domestic hot water in a Mediterranean country to a family of four for less than 2 €-cents per kWh. On the other hand, a large solar district heating system (35 MWth) with seasonal thermal storage (142 MWhth) in Denmark achieves remarkable generation costs of only 3.5 €-cents per kWh. And in both examples, the costs include also energy storage, which is always an integral part of a solar thermal system.

Can Europe’s energy security be compatible with our climate goals?

Yes, it can! If we decarbonise heat! Renewable heat is generated locally, avoiding CO2 emissions and avoiding spending billions on imported fossil fuels, rather channeling investments to local manufacturing and installations, creating new jobs. In addition, renewable heat solutions, such as solar thermal, can be quickly deployed in different segments, such as buildings, districts, and industry. A supplementary advantage, essential for energy security, is that solar heating systems are manufactured in Europe, using mostly a European-based supply chain for its components, while having several supply options outside Europe, if need be.

Find out more in the Solar Thermal Roadmap.

The solar thermal roadmap was officially launched during the

High Level Policy Event on june 20

Heat represents half of the energy consumption in Europe and its decarbonisation plays a strategic role in the response to the two major crises Europe is facing: climate change and energy security. In this regard, Solar Heat Europe organised a High-Level event, dedicated to the topic ‘Heat decarbonisation: a strategic imperative for the EU’. The event gathered different stakeholders, ranging from policymakers to representatives of different industrial sectors.

The event provided a unique space to discuss the intersection between the recently launched REPowerEU plan, the EU Solar Energy Strategy and the ongoing discussions on the Renewable Energy Directive, as well as the need for a swift implementation across the EU when it comes to the decarbonisation of heat.

Event Highlights

Solar thermal roadmap - 500 GW by 2035

The solar thermal actors supporting this roadmap commit to produce and install the full solar heat capacity projected by the IEA and IRENA for 2050, by 2035. This would replace over 400 TWh of fossil fuels in Europe, which is close to the full amount of fossil gas produced in the European Union annually.

Reaching over 400 TWh of direct heat by 2035 years will require the full mobilisation of our sector, as well as the full-hearted support of EU institutions, Member States and the private sector. However, the European Solar Heat Industry is ready to take this challenge and enable a rapid deployment that can be 100% European made.

SOLAR HEAT ADVANTAGES X3

Heat represents 50% of the final energy consumption, while electricity is only 20% and transport is 30%. With all this, the power sector and renewable electricity solutions receive more support and better conditions for deployment, while renewable heating solutions struggle to achieve their real potential because of the lack of awareness and efforts for heat decarbonisation. Compared with solar photovoltaic, solar heat has:
3 times higher efficiency with collectors reaching an efficiency of 70 – 80%
3 times less space needed for rooftops and on-ground installations
3+ times cheaper energy storage, often integrated in the system

annual energy generation
Solar heat systems in Europe
Thermal Storage

HOW TO SUCCEED?

Southern European countries must adopt solar heat best practices from Cyprus which has on average 1 square meter of solar collector installed per capita.

The country in Europe with the second highest share of solar thermal is Austria, showing that this technology is fit for colder climates. Other colder countries such as Germany, show how single houses and apartment buildings should be using solar heat.

All cities with district heating need to look at the examples of Denmark where summer heat is stored in seasonal storage from summer to winter, and cities not yet with district heating should consider it.

For industry, many multinational companies in Europe are now installing solar heat to replace gas, learn from them!

If it is cheaper than gas, why not go for it?

The deployment of solar heat has faced different barriers, leading to energy users not opting for solar thermal even if it would be profitable. If only profitable investments were implemented without delay, the goals of the pledge would easily be fulfilled. For cities and for industries, issues such as permitting, financing, procurement, and local planning must be addressed in order to facilitate and speed up the deployment of solutions such as solar heat, that are, strategic decisions to end the dependence on fossil fuels. 

What will it cost is the wrong question!

Let’s say instead: how much will we make?

Assuming average gas price the past 3 years, 100 Euro/ton CO2, and 2% inflation, the investment of 200 billion Euro will create proceeds of over 500 billion Euro. Low, predictable energy costs will benefit European industry and reduce costs for citizens, taxpayers, and consumers.

How much will the price drop when the market grows?

IRENA has found that the price drop of solar heat due to the learning curve as the installed base increases is substantial. For Solar District Heating in Denmark, the learning rate resulted in a price drop of 18% for each doubling of the installed base. Such an impressive learning rate surpasses those of both photovoltaic and offshore wind. In addition, as solar heat volumes are still modest, prices will decrease year on year as volumes grow.


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