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Press release
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European Partnerships For 'Soltherm Europe Initiative' signed at Climate Conference Bonn (July 23, 2001)
The Soltherm Europe Initiative has set out to become a catalyst
for the realisation of 15 million square meters of solar collectors
in Europe by 2004, which is equivalent to solar water heating
systems for 3 million households. This challenge was set by
the European Commission two years ago in its Campaign for Take-Off.
Renewable Energy Partnerships have been signed with the European
Commission on Monday 23 July at the COP 6 Part 2 Climate Conference
in Bonn, Germany.
Launch
The Soltherm Europe Initiative aims to increase the awareness of customers as well as to mobilise the complete production and installation chain. Based on more than ten years of experience with a number of market introduction projects in several countries, national campaigns will be started to boost the sales. In these campaigns, Soltherm Europe will especially involve the installers as they play an important role in the promotion of solar water heaters. The Initiative has started to unfold its activities through the launch of the central website www.soltherm.org and its application to become a Renewable Energy Partner with the European Commission. A project proposal to support the Soltherm Europe Initiative has been submitted to the European Commission.
Market
Solar collectors are used for heating tap water, buildings and
processes and are one of the most mature renewable energy options.
At present, about 11 million square meters of solar collectors
are installed in Europe, with an annual growth rate of about
1 million square meters per year. The objectives set in the
European Commission White Paper on Renewable Energy are to have
100 million square meters of solar collectors installed by 2010.
To reach that goal, a quick speed-up is necessary for the market
to gain enough momentum. If 15 million square meters can be
realised by 2004 on top of the existing area, the market growth
will line up with the European White Paper goals. Beyond that
short-term goal, the Soltherm Europe Initiative aims to provide
the framework for further expansion of the solar heating market.
Policy
The contribution of renewable energies to the European energy balance and to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is still modest, but growing at a fast pace. Analysis of the markets of different countries shows that an effective policy, much more than favourable local climatic conditions, boosts the penetration of solar energy. This indicates that with an effective approach it is possible to quickly expand the market. The Soltherm Europe Initiative is designed to be the central catalyst to exchange the current experiences in the European countries and to use these as a base for national campaigns. Guidelines, tools and effective market strategies will be created, so that a comprehensive European approach is developed.
Partners
Initiated by Ecofys, an international renewable energy consultancy and research company, the Soltherm Europe Initiative consortium currently consists of the following European key partners: the European Active Solar Thermal Industry Group (Astig), the Climate Alliance, AEE and ESV (Austria), 3E (Belgium), DTI (Denmark), Ademe and RAEE (France), DFS and Berliner Energieagentur (Germany), CRES (Greece), Ambiente Italia (Italy), Ecofys and Novem (the Netherlands), ICAEN and Trama (Spain) and BRE (United Kingdom). Other partners will be invited to join the Initiative in due course.
For further information, please contact R. Voskens or B. van der Ree, Ecofys by email soltherm@ecofys.nl or phone +31302808300
A link for the report
of the signing session is also included.
Please leave your details at soltherm@ecofys.nl and we will notify you by email on new press releases.
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