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Solar Heat Europe/ESTIF

SHE

Solar Heat Europe/ESTIF represents the solar thermal industry, promoting solar technology for renewable heating and cooling across Europe.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Peter Liese (Member of the European Parliament) and Transport and Environment (European Federation for Transport and Environment) and

8 Jan 2026 · Austausch

Solar Heat Europe urges tripling solar thermal deployment targets

13 Oct 2025
Topic — This consultation addresses updating the EU energy security framework for decarbonisation.
Message — They call for tripling solar thermal deployment and prioritizing European-made clean technology. The industry seeks support for decentralized off-grid heating and climate adaptation research.12
Why — Favouring EU-made products would help local manufacturers expand and scale up operations.3
Impact — External fossil fuel suppliers lose market share as Europe replaces imports with local energy.4
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Response to Electrification Action Plan

9 Oct 2025

Solar Heat Europe welcomes the launch of the Electrification Action Plan and the Heating & Cooling Strategy. As key renewable technologies, mature, ready-to-deploy and EU-made, solar thermal technologies (STT) can actively contribute to the energy transition by offering reliable, affordable and clean energy. STT, represented by Solar Heat Europe members, include concentrated and non-concentrated technologies (producing hot water, heat or steam) as well as the hybrid collectors PVT (producing both electricity and heat on the same panel). They all play a key role in the broader decarbonisation of Europes energy system. We would like to highlight the following considerations: 1. Electrification is important, but decarbonisation needs are vast The electrification of transport is going to lead to substantial additional needs, and growing energy needs from data centers and AI will massively expand electricity needs. In this context, heating & cooling, representing half of the total energy needs, can be efficiently decarbonised using direct renewable heat sources. The full mix of renewable technologies should be optimally used to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Solar thermal energy provides renewable heat directly, reducing the demand for electricity (unloading electricity networks) and supporting the full energy system decarbonisation and resilience. 2. Solar thermal contributes to system efficiency and flexibility STT can work in synergy with electricity-based technologies. By integrating cost-efficient thermal energy storage, they can also provide flexibility and help balancing the grid, particularly during peak demand periods or when renewable electricity production is low. 3. Electrification does not automatically mean decarbonisation In several Member States, a significant share of electricity is still generated from fossil fuels such as coal, gas or oil. Therefore, electrification at any cost risks in fact to increase emissions in the short term. The focus should therefore be on decarbonising the overall energy mix tapping into the potential of readily available sources such as direct renewable heat sources rather than only increasing electricity use. 4. Hybridisation of STT & heat pumps should be recognised and promoted The combination of solar thermal with heat pumps enhances system flexibility, reduces electricity consumption, and extends the lifetime of the heat pump. This hybrid approach represents a cost-effective and sustainable pathway to decarbonise heating and cooling and should be fully acknowledged within the Electrification Action Plan. 5. Electrification without storage, flexibility and suitable power grids will not work The energy transition requires a vast number of adaptations and investments at all levels. Whilst the clock is ticking towards the race for climate neutrality, many uncertainties remain about the investments needed, the moment by when those will be available, their reliability and safety profiles etc. As a consequence, using renewable technologies such as solar heat (available, mature, EU-made, easy to couple, etc.) should be a no-brainer. 6. Finally, the energy transition must work hand in hand with sustainable progress It is key that the energy transition is achieved without overlooking the key pillars of sustainability, namely: the respect of social values and the reduction of environmental burden. Europes competitiveness should not be forgotten in this transition. STT are made in Europe, do not use hazardous or rare earth substances, have a strong circularity potential and are exported worldwide. They provide affordable and predictable energy for citizens, meeting a key part of their energy needs and helping industries stay competitive. In line with NZIAs objectives, the joint Electrification Action Plan and Heating & Cooling Strategy should abide by these principles and make sure that these core principles guide our transition.
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Response to Heating and cooling strategy

9 Oct 2025

The upcoming Heating & Cooling Strategy is essential to achieve the EU's decarbonisation targets and ensure energy security. Solar Heat Europe urges the European Commission to adopt a comprehensive and ambitious approach that prioritises the deployment of available and EU-made renewable heat technologies. Solar Heat Europe calls in particular for dedicated measures to promote the uptake of solar thermal technologies, in line with the Net Zero Industry Act objectives which aims at promoting and protecting EU clean technologies. Structured in 6 pillars, the document outlines our key proposals and concrete measures for a dedicated solar thermal action plan. As renewable, EU-made, clean technologies, the contribution of Solar Thermal Technologies to the heating and cooling decarbonisation agenda should be prioritised. Unlike other technologies, those have clearly suffered from a lack of political attention and extremely challenging market conditions recently (as outlined in Solar Heat Europe latest 2024 market report) despite their clear benefits. The Solar Thermal sector calls specifically for measures to: 1- Prioritise the use of decentralised renewable heat sources and the use of solar heat. 2- Lead awareness raising campaigns and national strategies for solar heat. 3- Set targets for the use of Solar Thermal Technologies (STT, including solar thermal and PVT) such as: tripling their use by 2030 in Buildings, achieving a 5% share of district heating supply by 2050, steer the development of Solar Heat in Industrial Processes for dedicated sectors. 4- Protect EUs excellence in Solar Thermal manufacturing, pursue research and promote exports and develop an EU Solar Thermal Industry Alliance. 5- Facilitate permitting and access to finance, especially for STT (having high CAPEX). 6- Include a merit order for renewable heat technologies regarding the access to finance. 7- Establish a Made in Europe preference in public procurement, especially for STT. 8- Encourage technology coupling using solar heat and other clean technologies as well as thermal energy storage to successfully achieve the transition. We remain at the disposal of the European Commission for further discussions to provide our constructive inputs on the drafting of this decisive strategy.
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Meeting with Robert Nuij (Head of Unit Energy)

26 Sept 2025 · Exchange on solar thermal technologies and energy efficiency policy

Meeting with Robert Nuij (Head of Unit Energy)

26 Sept 2025 · Exchange on solar thermal technologies and energy efficiency policy

Solar Heat Europe Urges Renewable Heating in Housing Strategy

18 Sept 2025
Topic — New EU strategy to boost housing construction supply, productivity, and competitiveness.
Message — The organization calls for integrating solar thermal technology into the EU strategy to reduce citizen energy bills. They recommend incentivizing landlords to adopt cleaner systems and adequately training the installation workforce. They also propose using 'heat-as-a-service' models to make clean heat more accessible.123
Why — These measures would increase market demand and stability for European-made solar thermal systems.45
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Solar Heat Europe Urges Binding Renewable Heating Targets for 2040

15 Sept 2025
Topic — The consultation aims to amend the European Climate Law by adding 2040 emission targets.
Message — The group requests binding sub-targets for renewable heat and fair carbon accounting for avoided emissions. They also demand simplified permitting and better integration of solar thermal into EU energy modeling and reporting.12
Why — These measures would increase market demand for solar thermal and unlock access to major EU funding streams.34
Impact — Providers of carbon removals and international credits lose out as the EU shifts focus to domestic heat solutions.56
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Meeting with Ewelina Hartstein (Head of Unit Energy)

15 Sept 2025 · Role of solar heat in Europe’s decarbonisation agenda

Solar Heat Europe urges EU to prioritize homegrown thermal technology

11 Sept 2025
Topic — This initiative sets out the EU's global climate and energy strategy until 2029.
Message — The group wants the EU to promote European-made solar thermal technologies globally. They request that global renewable targets include direct heat alongside electricity.12
Why — This would expand export opportunities and protect European manufacturers from cheap imports.34
Impact — International battery and solar manufacturers would face increased barriers to the European market.56
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Meeting with Rosalinde Van Der Vlies (Director Energy)

3 Jul 2025 · EPBD and solar energy, Heating and Cooling Strategy and Affordable Housing Plan

Meeting with Aleksandra Kordecka (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné)

2 Jul 2025 · Presentation of activities, analysis of the sector in Europe and discussion of latest European regulations and communications.

Meeting with Paula Rey Garcia (Head of Unit Energy)

26 Jun 2025 · Exchange of views on solar heat

Response to European Affordable Housing Plan

4 Jun 2025

Housing affordability must be understood not only in terms of rent or purchase prices but also in terms of ongoing operational costs - particularly energy expenses. With heating and hot water accounting for nearly 80% of household energy use in the EU, addressing energy consumption is essential to making housing truly affordable. 1. Energy poverty and heating needs: data and trends Energy poverty is rising sharply across Europe. According to Eurostat: - 6.9% of Europeans were unable to keep their homes adequately warm in 2021.This rose to 9.3% in 2022 and 10.6% in 2023. This trend is exacerbated by the volatility of energy prices: - Electricity prices rose from 23.5 to 28.4 per 100 kWh between 2021 and 2022. - Gas prices increased from 7.8 to 11.4 per 100 kWh in the same periodboth record highs. Heating represents 78.4% of household energy use in the EU (63.5% for space heating, 14.9% for water heating). These costs disproportionately affect low-income households, making energy affordability a critical component of housing affordability. 2. The economic case for direct renewable heat Affordable housing often comes with trade-offs in energy efficiency, leading to higher heating needs and costs. Families may opt for cheaper appliances with lower upfront costs but significantly higher operating expenses. For example: - A low-cost electric heater may cost more to run in one winter than its purchase price. - A gas water heater can exceed its purchase cost in annual fuel expenses. One of the key barriers to deploying clean heating technologies is the upfront capital expenditure. This is where innovative business models, particularly "heat-as-a-service", come in, since they can make clean heat affordable. Direct renewable heat solutions, such as solar thermal systems, offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative: - They provide free heat from the sun for decades. - Their Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) is among the lowest for heating technologies. - They reduce exposure to energy price volatility and lower long-term energy bills. 3. Recommendations Solar Heat Europe urges the European Commission to: - Explicitly include operating energy costs in the definition of affordable housing. - Prioritize renewable heating technologies - especially solar thermal - in EU housing initiatives. - Support financial incentives and technical assistance for integrating solar thermal in new and renovated affordable housing. - Align the Affordable Housing Plan with the European Green Deal, REPowerEU, and the Renovation Wave Strategy. Solar Heat Europe urges the Commission to ensure that "affordability" encompasses not only the costs of renting or purchasing homes but also the operating costs, particularly the ongoing expenses associated with space heating and water heating. Given that heating accounts half of the EU's energy demand, predominantly sourced from fossil fuels, integrating renewable heating solutions is crucial for both affordability and energy security. Since heating is a major component of households energy use, integrating renewable heating solutions like solar thermal systems can play a pivotal role in enhancing affordability. The lifetime cost of solar thermal and its LCoE (levelized Cost of Energy) makes it one of the best options for households. These systems offer predictable and sustainable heating options, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and mitigating exposure to energy price volatility. Incorporating renewable heating technologies into affordable housing initiatives can lead to long-term cost savings for residents and contribute to the EU's energy transition goals. By addressing heating costs, we can make significant strides in improving overall housing affordability and energy resilience. Conclusion: Affordability of heating must be included in the definition and policy measures of affordable housing and relevant renewable heat sources - like solar thermal - should be promoted further.
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Meeting with Marina Mesure (Member of the European Parliament)

20 May 2025 · Solaire thermique

Meeting with Andrea Wechsler (Member of the European Parliament)

14 May 2025 · EU Energy and Industry Policy

Solar Heat Europe urges equal valuation for renewable heating

7 May 2025
Topic — Updating the comparative framework for calculating cost-optimal energy performance in buildings.
Message — The organization seeks a level playing field between heat and electricity in building energy calculations. They advocate that on-site renewable energy should be deducted from primary energy demand regardless of the energy type.12
Why — This would increase market opportunities for European solar thermal technology manufacturers.3
Impact — Foreign technology suppliers lose as the proposal prioritizes European-made renewable energy solutions.4
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Response to Interim evaluation of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (2024-2025)

10 Apr 2025

Solar Heat Europe (SHE) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the interim evaluation of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). Representing the solar thermal industry, we emphasize the need to protect and further strengthen EU-based production, prioritizing sectors with proven European implementation such as ours, and ensuring energy security via resilient value chains. Supporting SMEs and comprehensively covering eligible technologies, especially those reducing reliance on sensitive imports, is critical. Importance of SMEs in Building Resilient Value Chains: SMEs are the backbone of Europes renewable energy sector, driving innovation and regional economic growth. However, they can face challenges in scaling production and accessing funding. To strengthen EU production capacity, STEP must simplify applications, provide tailored financial instruments (e.g., grants for scaling manufacturing), and foster SME partnerships with larger entities. Supporting SMEs in sectors like solar thermal will enhance job creation and support local economies. Strengthening EU Production and Strategic Autonomy: Europes competitiveness and energy security depend on scaling domestic manufacturing of key technologies. Solar thermal systems, largely produced within the EU, exemplify a sector with strong local value chains and minimal dependence on critical raw material imports. STEP should prioritize such industries to bolster Europes industrial base, reduce reliance on geopolitically sensitive supply chains, and promote European industrys competitiveness and promote strategic autonomy. Coverage of Energy Vectors promoting Energy Security: STEP must ensure comprehensive support for all clean energy vectors, particularly the ones addressing heat needs, which account for 50% of EU final energy consumption. Technologies providing renewable heat for industries, buildings, and district heatingdirectly replacing gas and oil importshave been overlooked in initiatives like STEP. Prioritizing technologies with strong EU manufacturing footprint and localized value chains in the spirit of NZIA- helps accelerate energy transition and energy autonomy (avoiding external dependencies). To maximize impact, STEP should: - Introduce flexible cumulation rules enabling SMEs to combine STEP funds with national grants for scaling EU production. - Proactively engage further specific sectors with strong EU manufacturing footprints, delivering energy security through decentralized, EU-made solutions. - Establish an advisory service within the STEP Portal to aid SMEs in navigating funding for local production and value chain development or ideally, strive to organise a one stop portal to access such fundings for SMEs. Recommendations: - Protect and Boost EU Manufacturing: Allocate dedicated STEP funding to scale production of technologies with localized supply chains, such as solar thermal, to reduce reliance on imports and support EUs growth. - Prioritize Energy Security: Focus support on sectors displacing fossil fuel imports (e.g., renewable heat) and those with minimal exposure to sensitive raw materials. - Strengthen SME Capacity: Provide technical and financial support for SMEs to expand production, adopt circular economy practices, develop new business models and secure EU-sourced raw materials. - Enhance Monitoring: Track STEPs contribution to EU production capacity, energy import substitution, and supply chain resilience, with transparent reporting. Establish mechanisms to continuously monitor SME engagement on STEP and gather feedback to improve the program's effectiveness. Conclusion By prioritizing EU-made solutions with robust local value chains, STEP can reduce dependencies, strengthen strategic autonomy, and accelerate the clean energy transition. Solar Heat Europe is ready to collaborate with the European Commission to ensure that STEP becomes a cornerstone of Europes industrial and energy future.
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Meeting with Marie Toussaint (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

20 Mar 2025 · phasing out gas

Meeting with Bruno Tobback (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Mar 2025 · Solar Heat

Meeting with Jutta Paulus (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Climate Action Network Europe and

14 Mar 2025 · Security of Energy Supply

Meeting with Beatrice Coda (Head of Unit Research and Innovation)

11 Mar 2025 · Presentation of Solar Heat Europe and introduction to Beatrice Coda as new HoU and Marina Montero as policy officer on solar thermal and renewable heating and cooling.

Response to List of net-zero technology final products and their main specific components

20 Feb 2025

Solar Heat Europe (SHE) welcomes the opportunity to participate in the consultation on the list of net-zero technology final products and their main specific components for the purposes of assessing the contribution to resilience, an implementing act under the NZIA. SHE represents the European solar thermal industry, covering various market segments such as solar thermal in buildings, solar district heating, and solar heat for industrial processes. SHE emphasizes the importance of making some improvements to the proposal, including the EC Staff Working Document (SWD). Our key requirements include: Clarifying that PVT panels are in the scope. Updating concentrated solar thermal components under solar thermal technologies Clarifying the scope of "Thermal energy storage systems", besides including thermochemical storage Improving the characterization of solar thermal technologies Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) Panels SHE proposes the inclusion of PVT panels in the Annex, as these hybrid panels combine both solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies. The current text does not explicitly mention PVT panels, which are essential for harnessing solar energy efficiently by generating both electricity and heat. PVT is also particularly promising in combinations with heap pumps. The inclusion of PVT as a final product under Other Solar Technologies should be clearly made, referring that it incorporates Main Specific Components already recognised under Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal technologies. This approach is a simple and practical solution to ensure that PVT is properly recognised and avoiding misunderstandings regarding this recent technology. Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) SHE also highlights the need to include relevant components for concentrated solar thermal (CST) systems in the Annex, such as concentrated solar thermal receivers and solar reflectors. The current text does not refer to CST under solar thermal technologies, but it is important to make this improvement, helping to differentiate between CST and concentrated solar power (CSP). These technologies, which use similar principles have different applications and may have different components. CST focuses on supplying heat to diverse applications like industrial process heat and thermal energy storage. Including clarifications regarding PVT and CST provides a more comprehensive representation and avoids misinterpretations. Thermal Energy Storage Regarding thermal energy storage, SHE suggests revising the term "Thermal energy storage plants" to "Thermal energy storage systems" to avoid confusion and ensure the inclusion of (large) thermal energy storage systems which are essential for incorporating renewables and adding flexibility to the energy system. An example is the use of thermal energy storage as a component of a large solar thermal system supplying industrial process heat or district heating networks. SHE also proposes including thermochemical storage materials and systems in the Annex, as they enable nearly loss-free seasonal storage of heat for industries and dwellings. This technology is crucial for long-term energy storage and can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of thermal energy storage solutions. Characterization of Solar Thermal SHE recommends improving the characterization of solar thermal technologies in the SWD to provide a better understanding of how different elements are combined. In summary, SHE's proposals aim to ensure a comprehensive and clear representation of various technologies and components, supporting the broader goals of the Net Zero Industry Act. These proposals include the explicit inclusion of PVT panels, relevant components for concentrated solar thermal systems, and thermochemical storage materials and systems. Additionally SHE suggests revising terminology and improving the characterization of solar thermal technologies to provide clearer guidance for stakeholders and project promoters.
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Response to Delegated act on primarily used components under the Net-Zero Industry Act

20 Feb 2025

Solar Heat Europe (SHE) welcomes the opportunity to participate in the consultation on the Delegated Act on primarily used components under the Net-Zero Industry Act. SHE represents the European solar thermal industry, covering various market segments such as solar thermal in buildings, solar district heating, and solar heat for industrial processes. SHE emphasizes the importance of making some improvements to the proposal, including the EC Staff Working Document (SWD). Our key requirements include: Clarifying that PVT panels are in the scope. Updating concentrated solar thermal components under solar thermal technologies Clarifying the scope of "Thermal energy storage systems", besides including thermochemical storage Improving the characterization of solar thermal technologies Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) Panels SHE proposes the inclusion of PVT panels in the Annex, as these hybrid panels combine both solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies. The current text does not explicitly mention PVT panels, which are essential for harnessing solar energy efficiently by generating both electricity and heat. PVT is also particularly promising in combinations with heap pumps. The inclusion of PVT as a final product under Other Solar Technologies should be clearly made, referring that it incorporates Primarily Used Components already recognised under Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal technologies. This approach is a simple and practical solution to ensure that PVT is properly recognised and avoiding misunderstandings regarding this recent technology. Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) SHE also highlights the need to include relevant components for concentrated solar thermal (CST) systems in the Annex, such as concentrated solar thermal receivers and solar reflectors. The current text does not refer to CST under solar thermal technologies, but it is important to make this improvement, helping to differentiate between CST and concentrated solar power (CSP). These technologies, which use similar principles have different applications and may have different components. CST focuses on supplying heat to diverse applications like industrial process heat and thermal energy storage, which are essential for achieving net-zero goals. Including clarifications regarding PVT and CST provides a more comprehensive representation and avoids misinterpretations. Thermal Energy Storage Regarding thermal energy storage, SHE suggests revising the term "Thermal energy storage plants" to "Thermal energy storage systems" to avoid confusion and ensure the inclusion of (large) thermal energy storage systems which are essential for incorporating renewables and adding flexibility to the energy system. An example is the use of thermal energy storage as a component of a large solar thermal system supplying industrial process heat or district heating networks. SHE also proposes including thermochemical storage materials and systems in the Annex, as they enable nearly loss-free seasonal storage of heat for industries and dwellings. This technology is crucial for long-term energy storage and can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of thermal energy storage solutions. Characterization of Solar Thermal SHE recommends improving the characterization of solar thermal technologies in the SWD to provide a better understanding of how different elements are combined. In summary, SHE's proposals aim to ensure a comprehensive and clear representation of various technologies and components, supporting the broader goals of the Net Zero Industry Act. These proposals include the explicit inclusion of PVT panels, relevant components for concentrated solar thermal systems, and thermochemical storage materials and systems. Additionally, SHE suggests revising terminology and improving the characterization of solar thermal technologies to provide clearer guidance for stakeholders and project promoters.
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Meeting with Arthur Corbin (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné)

20 Feb 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal

Meeting with Nicolás González Casares (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Jan 2025 · energy trans

Meeting with Yannis Maniatis (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Jan 2025 · Follow-up discussion

Meeting with Annalisa Corrado (Member of the European Parliament) and European Biogas Association

15 Jan 2025 · Renewable Energy

Solar thermal industry urges domestic heating strategy for energy security

26 Nov 2024
Topic — The Commission is evaluating the performance of the EU’s energy security architecture.
Message — The association calls for an urgent update to the European Union's heating and cooling strategy. They advocate for increasing thermal energy storage and utilizing local renewable resources to reduce dependency.123
Why — Prioritizing local heat generation strengthens the market position of European solar thermal manufacturers.45
Impact — External energy exporters and developers of hydrogen fuels face reduced long-term influence.67
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Meeting with Lena Schilling (Member of the European Parliament)

30 Oct 2024 · solar heat development, status quo of industry

Meeting with Yannis Maniatis (Member of the European Parliament)

12 Sept 2024 · Introductory Meeting

Meeting with Bruno Gonçalves (Member of the European Parliament) and EUROPEAN TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION and

5 Sept 2024 · ITRE policies

Response to Application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle to the Social Climate Fund and its possible future extension

28 May 2024

Solar Heat Europe (SHE) is the voice of the European solar thermal industry since 1992, with members in more than 15 Solar thermal can be used in different market segments, including buildings, district heating and s industrial processes. SHE welcomes the development of technical guidance for applying the DNSH principle to the Social Climate Fund (SCF). We deem this approach to be relevant for the roll-out of solar thermal technologies, as these are pivotal in fulfilling the SCF's objectives, in line with DNSH principles. The SCF should prioritise the decarbonisation of heating and cooling demand, (up to 80% for buildings). The shift towards renewable heat sources, particularly solar thermal energy, is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and lessening the impact of climate change, aligning with the SCF's core mission. 1) Solar heat: a technology fully in line with the DNSH principles The list below provides an overview on how Solar Thermal (ST) meets the requirements of the DNSH principles, demonstrating its high profile and merit to be considered as a key technology to be promoted under the SCF. a) => ST delivers heating and cooling solutions WITHOUT emitting GHG emissions during its whole use phase b) => ST productions as a low carbon footprint, which is quickly recovered by the benefits deriving from its free and clean energy supply. c) => ST is not linked to any water or marine resources and does not use scarce or hazardous earth resources. d) => the materials used in ST (steel, glass, copper, aluminium) can easily be recycled; their circularity potential is estimated at 95% so fully in line with the principles of circular economy e) => ST uses prevents the use of fossil fuels for heating, hence avoiding the emissions of pollutants into air, water or land. f) => ST systems, be in it on rooftops or used in larger application on land, can be organized in full compatibility with the local fauna and flora and respecting the habitats and species. 2) Streamline procedures using a priority list, including solar thermal In line with the Joint Research Centre's (JRC) insights, SHE endorses the prioritization of key sectors and projects, such as solar thermal and other renewable energy technologies, based on a positive list, without the need for intricate analysis. This approach should apply to investments invariably contributing to environmental objectives, like solar thermal systems for climate change mitigation, or those unlikely to significantly affect biodiversity and ecosystem conservation and restoration, such as the installation of renewable heating technologies in residential settings. 3) Simplification by standardised implementation Standardize implementation across Europe of SCF is needed by harmonizing requirements and minimizing variations due to national or program-specific factors. Simplifying criteria across various programs is essential for consistency, although we acknowledge the unique needs of individual programs. Specific attention should be drawn to ensure that SMEs can easily access such funds. Another element for this standardisation is the alignment with existing regulations, such as NZIA promoting clean tech made in Europe or the EPBD, promoting more RES generation in buildings, namely using solar (solar thermal and/or solar photovoltaic)on rooftops. 4) Ensure a SCF fit for SMEs SHE points that the importance to consider the impact of new requirements on SMEs, when development new requirements. There must be a balanced approach to regulatory and reporting requirements. This balance is necessary to ensure that the costs, time, and administrative load do not become prohibitive for SMEs, thereby hindering their growth and innovation potential. SHE thanks the EC for the opportunity to contribute to this consultation is available and willing to collaborate with the Commission to develop specific proposals to facilitate the application of DNSH to solar thermal projects within the SCF framework.
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Response to Recommendation to promote the development of innovative forms of solar energy deployment

2 Apr 2024

Solar Heat Europe welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this recommendation to promote innovative forms of solar energy deployment. However, we regret the substantial disregard for solar thermal technologies and innovative forms to deploy them, such as building-integrated solar thermal (BIST), solar thermal applications in farming and agriculture, and PV-Thermal (PVT) collectors. We call on the Commission to lead by example in promoting a level-playing field among solar energy sources and dedicate adequate efforts to solar thermal in all solar-related initiatives, including this recommendation on innovative forms of solar energy deployment. Solar thermal technologies are mature, manufactured in Europe and ready to be deployed. The EU solar thermal industry supplies over 90% of the domestic demand and provides tens of thousands of local jobs; its contribution to the EU climate and energy security goals deserves to be acknowledged and supported by EU policymakers.
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Response to Guidance to facilitate the designation of renewables acceleration areas

23 Feb 2024

Solar Heat Europe (SHE), the voice of the European solar thermal industry, highlights 4 priorities: 1. Enlarge the scope of these guidelines and specify that RAAs are for ALL renewables, including solar thermal; 2. Designate RAAs for solar thermal close to high heat demand areas, such as cities; 3. Establish synergies between RAAs and the local H&C plans required by the EED; 4. Value the potential of solar thermal to regenerate and repurpose degraded land. Please find our comprehensive contribution via the PDF attached.
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Solar Heat Europe urges consistent labels for boiler packages

21 Dec 2023
Topic — The Commission is reviewing energy labelling and ecodesign requirements for solid fuel boilers.
Message — They want rules aligned with existing space heater standards for solar thermal packages. They advocate for labels that combine boilers with renewable solar solutions.12
Why — This ensures small European manufacturers can sell specialized solar components in integrated packages.3
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Meeting with Beatrice Covassi (Member of the European Parliament) and European Geothermal Energy Council

11 Oct 2023 · Solar heat and geothermal energy

Response to Implementation of updates for annual, monthly and short-term monthly energy statistics

3 Aug 2023

Solar Heat Europe is the voice of the solar thermal industry in Europe. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to this consultation. We believe that energy statistics are key to monitor the progress and impact of the EU policies and initiatives and enable a sustainable energy transition. However, we also think that the current proposal does not reflect adequately the reality and potential of solar thermal in Europe. Solar thermal is a mature and cost-effective technology that provides clean and renewable heat for various applications in homes and buildings (hot water, space heating, cooling), as well as industrial processes and district heating. There are over 35 GW(th) installed in Europe, in more than 10 million households as well as commercial and industrial companies. However, there is a generalisation of the term solar energy, often misunderstood as referring only to solar photovoltaic (PV). The same happens with references to solar thermal when what is considered is Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). This generalisations might therefore lead to a lack of recognition and visibility for solar thermal, as well as inaccurate and incomplete data collection and reporting. Therefore, we urge the EU to improve the energy statistics and reflect better the solar thermal technology and its related market potential, by addressing the following points: - Valorisation of solar heat generation. the use of solar heat needs to be further valued and put into evidence, by referring the generation capacity (in MWth) in addition to the surface area. This can be done using well established and accepted conversion methods under IEA-SHC. This allows for a process gradually transitioning from the current data (surface area expressed in m2) to a reference common and comparable to other renewable generation technologies (expressed in MWth) - Improvement of the definition of solar thermal. One aspect needed is to clarify that it also includes large scale segments, such as Solar District Heating (SDH) and Solar Heat for Industrial Processes(SHIP). SDH is a large-scale solar plant (largest , in Denmark, has 110 MWth capacity) that provides heat to a district heating network. SHIP is a solar thermal system that provides heat to industrial processes, ranging from low to medium temperatures, such as food processing, textile manufacturing or chemicals production. Both are rapidly growing segments that are often overlooked or underreported. We suggest that the statistics adopt a broader definition of solar thermal that encompasses these segments and applications. - Inclusion of hybrid PV and thermal solar collectors (PVT) in statistics. PVT collectors are innovative devices that combine both PV and thermal functions in one product to produce both electricity and heat from the same surface area, increasing the efficiency and versatility of the solar panel. However, PVT panels are not well captured by the current statistics, which tend to count only one output (either power or heat) or none at all. We recommend that the statistics refer that both the thermal and the power output of these collectors need to be covered. This can be done either by creating a specific category for PVT collectors (preferred) or by accounting both their power and thermal output under the respective categories for PV and solar thermal. - Improvement of the definitions for the different technologies, namely the reference to rooftop. Both PV and solar heat include rooftop or building integrated solutions, hence the currently proposed characterisation rooftop solar being now used just for PV is misleading. We suggest changing the rooftop category to PV in buildings , including rooftop PV and BIPV. Rooftop solar thermal applications would then be covered under the general solar thermal classification, as it should be the case already today. Please find herewith our input and detailed amendments to the proposal.
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Solar Heat Europe pushes for solar thermal industry protections

27 Jun 2023
Topic — The Net-Zero Industry Act aims to scale up European manufacturing of green technologies.
Message — The organization requests that solar thermal remains a strategic priority to protect Europe's existing industrial leadership. They advocate for including small businesses in large projects and increasing financial rewards for sustainable products in public schemes. They also propose regional training academies that cover multiple green technologies at once.123
Why — These changes would safeguard their market dominance and provide better access to public subsidies.45
Impact — Foreign suppliers lose market share as the EU prioritizes local production to reduce strategic dependencies.6
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Solar Heat Europe calls for nearly-zero emissions by 2040

23 Jun 2023
Topic — The EU is setting a 2040 climate target to ensure neutrality by 2050.
Message — The industry group demands a nearly-zero emissions target by 2040 and a decarbonized heating sector. They want the EU to prioritize locally manufactured renewable technologies and set binding national targets.12
Why — These measures would secure market dominance for European manufacturers against global competitors.3
Impact — Fossil fuel importers lose market share as the EU transitions to renewable heat.4
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Solar heat industry urges EU to promote hybrid heating systems

26 May 2023
Topic — The consultation seeks views on an action plan to accelerate heat pump deployment.
Message — The organization requests that the EU promotes integrating solar thermal systems with heat pumps. They argue for a diverse approach using incentives to support combined technologies.12
Why — This would secure a larger market for solar thermal technology in the transition.3
Impact — Fossil fuel providers lose as the plan encourages phasing out gas boilers.4
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Response to Communication on revamping the SET Plan

2 Nov 2022

Solar Heat Europe (SHE) represents the European solar thermal industry, with members in more than 15 countries, from different parts of the value chain. Its activities cover different market segments, such as solar thermal in buildings, solar district heating and solar heat for industrial processes. SHE welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the much-needed ongoing revamp of the 2015 SET Plan. By correcting previous flaws, integrating new priorities, and acknowledging the importance of renewable heating and cooling technologies like solar thermal, we believe the new SET Plan will make a critical contribution to achieve green, secure, and affordable energy in Europe. To this end, we highlight seven key points for improvement: Include renewable heat sources under priority Being n. 1 in renewables. The 2015 SET Plan fatally excluded renewable heating and cooling technologies like solar heat from the supply side. For example, two IWGs were established for PV and CSP (concentrated solar power, also referred to as solar thermal electricity), but no IWG on solar heat. With heating and cooling representing half of the EU energy consumption, today we pay the price of such a macroscopic shortcoming, which severely hampered R&I investments in the sector. Dedicated IWGs for each renewable H&C technology. Different technologies require dedicated IWGs to account for their specificities at different TRL levels. This was the approach rightfully adopted for power generation. The same must apply to the different renewable heating and cooling technologies, such as solar heat. Consider heating and cooling when addressing enabling technologies. For example, Europes thermal energy storage (TES) capacity is by far larger than power storage capacity, despite very limited R&I investments. Similarly, R&I activities on energy infrastructure must consider also heating and cooling networks, not just power grids. Recognise the relevance of heating for energy security. Heating is the most urgent challenge to reduce Europes dependency on Russian fossil fuels. Yet, the focus remains on power generation and the potential of most renewable H&C technologies has been significantly underestimated by policymakers, when not completely overlooked. The decarbonisation of the sector requires investments in several solutions, starting from existing and performing ones. Value solar heats contribution to sustainability, circularity, and strategic autonomy. The recyclability rate of solar thermal systems exceeds 95% and does not require special collection processes. At the same time, most components are widely available in Europe, boosting energy security and avoiding the creation of new strategic dependencies (e.g. on critical materials). Better coordination in the EU R&I ecosystem. Several structures have emerged around the implementation of the SET Plan and in the EU R&I ecosystem. Better coordination is needed to avoid duplication of activities and ensure an effective engagement of all relevant stakeholders. In particular, the cooperation between ETIPs, IWGs and relevant partnerships under Horizon Europe must be clarified and strengthened. Synergies across funding programmes and new innovative instruments. As the R&I ecosystem is becoming more complex also in terms of funding, the revamped SET Plan must foster synergies across instruments. On the other hand, it is also important to explore innovative schemes that address new needs and priorities. One example can be setting up rolling funds dedicated to specific solutions, such as renewable heat supply to industry. In these funds, the focus on a specific application or field would greatly facilitate risk assessment processes and investment strategies, while the risk would be diluted over a larger number of projects. Finally, funding must address the right priorities, such as deep renovations and the replacement of old heating systems with renewable and efficient heating solutions.
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Solar Heat Europe Demands Thermal Energy Inclusion in Permitting Rules

27 Jul 2022
Topic — A consultation on streamlining permitting processes to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects.
Message — The organization requests that the directive explicitly include renewable heating, cooling, and thermal storage alongside electricity. They advocate for a level playing field by ensuring solar thermal is clearly included in the Solar Rooftop Initiative. Additionally, they propose identifying urban areas as go-to zones to facilitate decentralized heat supply close to consumers.123
Why — Explicit recognition ensures a level playing field and prevents the sector's exclusion from national regulatory frameworks.4
Impact — Urban residents lose access to efficient decentralised heating if city zones exclude solar thermal technology.5
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Meeting with Pär Holmgren (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Jun 2022 · Heat decarbonisation: a strategic imperative for the EUby Solar Heat Europe

Meeting with Ditte Juul-Joergensen (Director-General Energy) and Google and

25 Apr 2022 · US-EU Task Force Convening: Clean Energy Technologies. Carrier, Tado and the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ECEEE) also participated.

Solar Heat Europe demands equal treatment for renewable heating

12 Apr 2022
Topic — EU guidance on streamlining permitting and facilitating purchase agreements for renewables.
Message — The group urges including Heat Purchase Agreements in the same framework as power agreements. They request streamlined permitting through one-stop shops and priority land access for solar thermal projects.123
Why — Simplified procedures would reduce administrative barriers and investment risks for heat-sector SMEs.45
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Response to EU Solar Energy Communication

12 Apr 2022

Solar Heat Europe, the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation, welcomes the elaboration of an EU Solar Energy Strategy and the opportunity to contribute to this process via a public consultation. We call on the European Commission to ensure that this strategy addresses in a balanced and fair way the three solar technologies: solar heating and cooling (solar thermal), solar photovoltaics (solar PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). In particular, considering that heat represents half of the energy demand in Europe, SOLAR THERMAL needs to have a prominent role in EU Solar Energy Strategy (EU-SES). Solar heat has a critical role to play in the energy transition, as a competitive and reliable source of heat for European homes and companies, industrial sector included. This is why solar thermal is already present in over 10 million households in Europe and has an increasing implantation in industrial heat processes. The potential of this sector has been underestimated, in line with the overall renewable heat sector. While electrification of the heat sector is a reality and shall continue evolving, the complementarity with renewable heat supply needs to be further exploited. Renewable heat brings numerous advantages to the resilience, security and competitiveness of the energy sector. It is critical to give to this sector the same level of political support that has been offered to solar PV or wind. The European Union cannot afford to disregard the potential of a sector that has a strong manufacturing capacity in Europe, requiring support to step up demand. European solar thermal manufacturers have a leading position in the supply of solar thermal systems to the European market, combined with a positive trade balance to the Union. As such, the development of a European solar industry, one of the important aspects to be tackled in the envisaged EU-SES, must consider the development of the solar heat industry, in parallel to the development of a solar PV or CSP industry. One of the preferred ways to promote a competitive solar industry in Europe is to promote the European market for solar systems. This is an essential aspect for the development of solar thermal, as much of the political focus, for over a decade, has been on the promotion of renewable power generation in particular solar PV. This unbalanced emphasis on the provision of solar power in relation to solar heat is observable in terms of policies, regulatory measures, financial support and public promotion. While it is in part explained by the specific competencies that the EU and Members States hold regarding the Internal Energy Market, it mustn’t be an excuse to the creation of unfair competition between solar PV and solar heat in the EU common market. In our opinion, the preparation of the EU Solar Energy Strategy also demonstrates such bias towards power generation. The European Commission needs to ensure that the EU Solar Energy Strategy promotes fair competition between the different solar technologies, with regards to measures at the EU, national and local levels. Furthermore, being heat demand and heat supply decentralised, it is essential that the EU Solar Energy Strategy addresses the role of the national governments and local authorities in the deployment of solar heat. As a complement to this contribution to this consultation process, we attach a document our document: “Energising Europe with solar heat: A Solar Thermal Roadmap for Europe” and we ask you to consider it as part of our input to this consultation.
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Response to Ecodesign requirements for water heaters and tanks (review)

31 Mar 2022

Solar Heat Europe welcomes the opportunity to provide additional feedback on the call for evidence for the impact assessment on the Ecodesign requirements for water heaters and storage tanks, while thanking the European Commission services and the experts contributing to this work. A detailed Solar Heat Europe’s contribution to the Call for Evidence on Labelling and Ecodesign requirements for water heaters and tanks can be found in the attached file. Solar Heat Europe has already contributed with its comments to the draft proposals presented at the Consultation Forum. The previous contribution from Solar Heat Europe can be found online. Additional links in the attached document. The current review is a unique opportunity to align this regulation with the renewed ambition from the European Union to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. The Fit for 55 package, and notably the Renovation Wave, will open new opportunities to change European homes, making them more energy efficient and/or equipped with efficient and renewable based solutions. Making our homes future proof means that we must address heating and cooling, as space heating accounts for 65% of energy consumption in homes. And we would like to stress the fact that water heating represents a similar level of energy consumption as power appliances do (15%), which adds to the relevance of the energy labelling and ecodesign of space and water heaters, as a tool to steer change in our energy system. This regulation will be essential to make European citizens active players in the effort to decarbonize heating and cooling, creating awareness and supporting informed decisions. Besides the effects in terms of energy savings and reduction of CO2 emissions, promoting renewable and efficient solutions will also help our economy. Taking as example our sector, solar thermal, we are proud to have a strong manufacturing sector that produces most of the over 10 million systems that we have currently in Europe. It creates jobs in manufacturing, commercialization, installation, maintenance and operation. More than half of the added value remains locally. It creates value and jobs while helping to cut emissions and to reduce our dependency of imported fossil fuels. Key points included in Solar Heat Europe’s contribution: • Improvements proposed to the product label • Suggestion regarding package label preparation • Proposal for a Retrofit Package Label • Inputs for the package label layout • Support to the proposed calculation of packages with Solar Devices • Need to consider thermosiphon systems in equivalence to a package label • Position on reclassification • Include Solar Device in definitions under Art. 2 • Adapt obligations of suppliers regarding packages • Adapt obligations of dealers regarding packages • Adapt obligations of internet hosting platform, regarding packages • Recognition of PVT panels • Specificities of Thermosiphons and ICS • Comment on Lookup tables for solar devices • Implications of new demand profiles • Support to Multivalent tanks
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Response to Energy labelling requirements for space and combination heaters (review/rescaling)

31 Mar 2022

Solar Heat Europe welcomes the opportunity to provide additional feedback on the call for evidence for the impact assessment on the Ecodesign requirements for space and combination heaters, while thanking the European Commission services and the experts contributing to this work. A detailed Solar Heat Europe’s contribution to the Call for Evidence on Labelling and Ecodesign requirements for space and combination heaters can be found in the attached file. Solar Heat Europe has already contributed with its comments to the draft proposals presented at the Consultation Forum. The previous contribution from Solar Heat Europe can be found online. Additional links in the attached document. The current review is a unique opportunity to align this regulation with the renewed ambition from the European Union to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. The Fit for 55 package, and notably the Renovation Wave, will open new opportunities to change European homes, making them more energy efficient and/or equipped with efficient and renewable based solutions. Making our homes future proof means that we must address heating and cooling, as space heating accounts for 65% of energy consumption in homes. And we would like to stress the fact that water heating represents a similar level of energy consumption as power appliances do (15%), which adds to the relevance of the energy labelling and ecodesign of space and water heaters, as a tool to steer change in our energy system. This regulation will be essential to make European citizens active players in the effort to decarbonize heating and cooling, creating awareness and supporting informed decisions. Besides the effects in terms of energy savings and reduction of CO2 emissions, promoting renewable and efficient solutions will also help our economy. Taking as example our sector, solar thermal, we are proud to have a strong manufacturing sector that produces most of the over 10 million systems that we have currently in Europe. It creates jobs in manufacturing, commercialization, installation, maintenance and operation. More than half of the added value remains locally. It creates value and jobs while helping to cut emissions and to reduce our dependency of imported fossil fuels. Key points included in Solar Heat Europe’s contribution: • Improvements proposed to the product label • Suggestion regarding package label preparation • Proposal for a Retrofit Package Label • Inputs for the package label layout • Support to the proposed calculation of packages with Solar Devices • Position on reclassification • Adapt obligations of suppliers regarding packages • Adapt obligations of dealers regarding packages • Adapt obligations of internet hosting platform, regarding packages • Corrections related to the new calculation for packages of solar devices • Recognition of PVT panels • Include provisions on multivalent tanks • Proposed corrections on the Product information • Comment on Lookup tables for solar devices
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Response to Revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU

31 Mar 2022

Solar Heat Europe strongly supports the EU institutions’ objective of decarbonising Europe’s building stock, especially in a time where energy is used as a geopolitical weapon. Given that heat is half of the energy we consume, decarbonising buildings must start by decarbonising heating and cooling. In these unprecedented times, we applaud the institutions for their rapid and ambitions response to Europe’s peace crisis and ask you to act with equal speed and ambition towards the roll-out of proven renewable energy technologies like solar thermal heat. In this spirit, Solar Heat Europe recognises the ambition of the EPBD. We also note that in these turbulent period, we need to take bold decisions in the realm of energy, both to sever our pernicious dependence on unreliable partners, such as Russia, and create a global leading role for the EU’s renewable heat sector. To this end, we recommend paying special attention to the following elements: - Staged & Deep Renovations - One-Stop-Shops & Training Programmes - MEPS & EPCs - A Balanced and Diversified Energy Approach - Transparency & Solidarity - Solar rooftop initiative - Reinforcing the capacity of local authorities These are addressed in more detail in the attached file.
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Response to Methodology for calculating the quantity of renewable energy used for cooling and district cooling

25 Nov 2021

Solar Heat Europe welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to define a methodology for calculating renewable energy in cooling and district cooling and would like to thank the Commission for the opportunity to respond to the draft delegated act. The Delegated Regulation should ensure that there is a level-playing field among different renewable solutions that can contribute to the supply of renewable cooling. Renewable technologies, such as solar thermal, can provide the thermal input for the operation of thermally driven chillers (absorption and adsorption) and should therefore be considered in the proposed methodology. The analysis conducted by experts for the European Commission included such options and presented a method to consider local renewable energy input. We strongly recommend considering the local renewable energy input to incentivise the development of local renewable energy. In this case, the proposal consists in limiting Einput_RE to the share of energy input to cooling systems corresponding to the consumption of concomitant local renewable energy generation. This option would allow for other solutions, such as solar thermal, wile avoiding double counting that could come from renewable electricity provided by the grid. 𝐸𝑅ES−𝐶=(𝑄𝐶_𝑆ource−𝐸𝐼nput)+𝐸𝐼nput_𝑅E=𝑄𝐶_𝑆upply+𝐸𝐼nput_𝑅E Besides the need to avoid double counting, it is also important to avoid overestimation of the contribution of different solutions. For instance, the majority of the systems available at residential level would fall under the definition of reversible heat pumps (air to air split units). Many systems have limited hours of use, related to consumer habits and energy costs. Therefore, for systems providing non-measured cooling, the estimations shall consider the actual equivalent to full load hours that would reflect the average use.
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Response to Review of Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency

19 Nov 2021

Solar Heat Europe welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for the recast of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and supports the European Commission goal to align it with the Union's climate objectives. Energy efficiency offers multiple benefits such as greenhouse gas emission reductions, lower dependency on energy imports, job creation, alleviating energy poverty and improved health. However, the current trends indicate that efficiency investments are not happening at the required pace to achieve the necessary energy savings and reduce energy consumption. Renewable (RES) technologies, like solar thermal heating and cooling, allow for a reduction on energy consumption from fossil fuels and benefit consumers. Solar thermal faces similar barriers as energy efficiency, including lack of financial support to address the upfront investment, low awareness levels and lack of information on why and how to save energy. Furthermore, the proposal indicates a clear interest towards heat decarbonisation, including concrete measures to address the heating and cooling demand. As such, we support the increased ambition reflected in the recast of the EED and would like to additional improvements to the proposal, by proposing some amendments. Clear and ambitious policies are needed to demonstrate the serious interest in a societal and economical change. With a clear signal, new investment decisions will happen, bringing in turn additional investors and financers, creating a virtuous cycle. EED sets several positive measures although it still presents weaknesses, such as the lack of national binding targets, lagging on commitment. To convince and lead a real change, the signal must be clear: stronger targets and measures are required to implement a faster energy transition, promoting the combination of energy efficiency and decentralized RES solutions, in particular renewable heat. The recast of the Energy Efficiency Directive is an opportunity for a comprehensive and reinforced policy framework that addresses in a coherent way both demand and supply. The aim should be to ensure that measures are set in place to significantly reduce emissions, combining both energy efficiency measures and the use of RES, namely RES heat SHE also applauds the increased emphasis on measures tackling energy poverty, which requires a combination of measures promoting a just energy transition. The recast shall promote a level playing field between renewable solutions and other energy vectors, always having the energy efficiency first principle adjacent. Summary of SHE’s positions: 1. Positive clarification of the Energy Efficiency First principle 2. Higher ambition reflected in national binding targets 3. Support the decarbonisation of heating and cooling 4. Promote planned replacement of old heating systems 5. Mitigate energy poverty 6. Improve Primary Energy Factor Please find attached SHE's contribution.
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Response to Proposal for a Regulation on establishing a Climate Action Social Facility

18 Nov 2021

Solar Heat Europe welcomes the proposal for a Social Climate Fund. The proposal addresses the need for an increased ambition with regard to decarbonisation, while tackling the likely effect of such measures on vulnerable groups. We stress the need to consider the need for alternatives to the current plan for ETS in buildings and for a European-based Social Climate Fund. Such alternatives could be based on a common European framework based on national implementation, with carbon taxes applicable to buildings and the SCF. We also point out the need to consider the need for decentralised approaches, including local authorities in the SCF implementation process . Heating (water and space heating) represents 80% of the energy consumption in households. And heating is mostly a decentralised matter, which has been insufficiently addressed by national policies. The implementation of the SCF needs to address such limitations, where the local approach is often more effective than national or European ones. Likewise, the implementation should address the need to combine energy efficiency and renewable heat solutions, establishing a link with other proposed measures, such as the Renovation Wave. Key recommendations: 1. Align measures with a fast deployment of EE and RES-heat by 2030 2. Consider, in alternative, a European framework for a national implementation 3. Emphasize decentralised measures for decentralised heating needs 4. Promote synergies between EE and RES-heat. These points are addressed in more detail the the document attached.
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Meeting with Frans Timmermans (Executive Vice-President) and European Environmental Bureau and

27 Oct 2020 · Business and investor support for higher ambition and the just transition

Response to Climate Law

5 Feb 2020

Europe has a role to play in tackling climate change and the deployment of renewables, while keeping its industry globally competitive and making its society economically and socially prosperous. The climate law should be focused on citizens, empowering them to engage in the required transformations in our society, from the ways we consume to the ways we produce. Energy is an essential aspect in this transformation, and heating and cooling, representing half of EU energy consumption should be at the core of this challenge. As H&C is mostly decentralised, change can only happen with the engagement of consumers and businesses, moving away from carbon emitting heating solutions and adopting renewable ones. To be the first climate neutral continent the EU needs to reach an earlier milestone and set the right foundation by 2030 for a carbon-neutral system. Heating equipment and infrastructures installed by 2030 are likely to be working in 2050, hence the next decade will be of critical importance to avoid a lock-in of fossil fuels. The EU can facilitate the switch and deployment of renewable H&C solutions, but urgent action is needed. Energy must be properly perceived in its different dimensions, going well beyond just power generation. Electrification cannot be the only vector for the decarbonisation of the energy sector. While renewable electricity is a part of the solution, it is by no means the only one. Decarbonisation of the heating sector must be based both on demand reduction, applying energy efficiency measures, and in the use of direct renewable heat solutions first. It is more important to use as little as possible of our carbon budget than to aim at reaching carbon neutrality in a given year. To stick to its climate and economic goals, the EU must further deploy RES heat solutions and bring a competitive advantage to EU industry on global markets, shielding it from fluctuations as volatile energy prices impacting investment security. A EU Climate Law should: - aim at promoting a transparent and fair competition among technologies empowering citizens to take the lead - support the deployment of a mix of existing technologies, from energy efficiency solutions to renewable systems, that can contribute to a just and effective transition, without leaving anyone behind - consider a lifecycle approach when looking into energy sustainable solutions, prioritising those not harmful to the environment in production nor in operation, with high circularity and low emissions from cradle-to-grave - allow a real tri-sectoral integration involving also heating and cooling and not only electricity and gas, which would not be enough for a fair and competitive decarbonisation - take urgent measures for the promoting the fast deployment of existing renewable solutions over the next decade, curbing emissions as quick and as soon as possible - promote the integration of different renewable heat technologies, both for residential and industrial needs, using thermal storage as a technology enabler - stop the subsidies, direct or indirect, to fossil fuels, be it for generation or consumption - promote no regret options, with direct benefits to improve the life of EU citizens creating local jobs and reducing energy costs and GHG emissions - Strengthening locally produced and decentralised sources of renewable heat, helping to stabilise the overall energy system, increase EU’s security of energy supply and reduce its dependence from other economies. Among the potential solutions, we should highlight solar H&C has direct benefits in the decarbonisation of buildings, industries and cities, provides a reduction of emissions and a healthier environment for EU citizens. Solar thermal solutions are easy to integrate with other systems, as different renewable heat technologies (biomass, geothermal, heat pumps), electricity (PV) or with gas boiler to promote a gradual phase out of fossil fuels and a just transition to carbon neutrality
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Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy)

26 Mar 2019 · the potential of solar thermal energy as a cost competitive technology in the context of clean energy transition

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy) and European Geothermal Energy Council

5 Dec 2017 · Heating and cooling and Clean Energy package

Response to Annual energy statistics updates for annual and monthly energy statistics

1 Mar 2017

The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF), representing the solar thermal for heating and cooling sectors, welcomes the European Commission proposal of a Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1099/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on energy statistics, as regards the updates for the monthly and annual energy statistics, as an opportunity to bring much needed clarifications to a very important piece of legislation, and to redress existing shortcomings in the text. Energy statistics represent a crucial issue in the light of the current developments of EU policies in the field of climate and energy. Key legislation underpinning the energy sector, such as those proposed under the Clean Energy Package, must rely accurate energy data, representing the reality of the energy sector as closely as possible. Accordingly, the regular updates should be an opportunity for EU statistics to better portray the energy sector. Although the Commission proposal brings some concrete improvements to the original text, for instance including space heating under the solar thermal for heating and cooling technology, the solar thermal electricity and solar thermal for heating and cooling industries believe the difference between those two technologies, should be better represented in the Regulation, by having two separate, more accurate definitions. The point 3.5.3.2 should be split in two: 3.5.3.2. Solar thermal electricity (or concentrated solar power): solar thermal energy from solar radiation (sunlight) exploited for power generation. This includes solar thermal-electric plants. This energy production is the heat available to the heat transfer medium, i.e. the incident solar energy less the optical and collector’s losses. 3.5.3.3. Solar thermal for heating and cooling: Solar thermal heat from solar radiation (sunlight) exploited for heating and cooling purposes. By the way of example, this includes active systems for the production of sanitary hot water, space heating of buildings, industrial process heat or district heating. This energy production is the heat available to the heat transfer medium, i.e. the incident solar energy less the optical and collector’s losses. Solar energy captured by passive systems for heating, cooling and lighting of buildings is not to be included; only solar energy in relation to the active systems is to be included. Moreover, the separation between solar thermal electricity and solar thermal for heating and cooling should be reflected in the whole document, and anytime solar thermal is mentioned, a clarification should be made to which one it is referring to in the particular case. Finally, in its Communication on an EU Strategy for Heating and Cooling (p.1 SWD(2016) 24 final), the European Commission stated that “despite of its magnitude and importance in the European Union's energy markets, there is surprisingly little information about heating and cooling”. In this regard, ESTIF encourages EU policy-makers to amend Annex A and Annex B to • include more specific information on how energy is used and supplied in “Commercial and Public Services” • include the installed capacity for heat; • clarify the definition of “space cooling”
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Meeting with Grzegorz Radziejewski (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen) and The European Association for the Promotion of Cogeneration and Association of the European Heating Industry

16 Dec 2016 · energy effiiciency

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy) and WindEurope and

21 Jun 2016 · European renewables industry