Exports of European solar thermal process heat technology are increasing

European experts presented the latest developments during a Technology Workshop on Solar Process Heat for industry, held on 15 March 2013 at the Renewable Energy House in Brussels and organised by the European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling (RHC-Platform).

The workshop, organised by the Solar Thermal Technology Panel of the European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling, was attended by around 60 participants from industry, research, industry associations, as well as from EU institutions. It presented the most recent developments and insights into collector technology, as well as solar thermal system integration for processes ranging from drying to pasteurisation or sterilisation. These were also illustrated with case studies from some of the sectors with the highest potential, such as beer brewing, food processing, and transport equipment cleaning.

The event confirmed the huge potential of this market segment. The IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Technology Roadmap states that, by 2050, 20% of the energy used for low temperature industrial heat (<120