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List of Contents

European Solar Thermal Market

  1. Introduction

Solar Trade Association (STA) news

  1. Gareth Ellis resigns as Chief Executive and moves to pastures new
  2. David Matthews takes over with the title of ‘National Executive Officer’
  3. STA membership grows rapidly

Pre-Budget Report 2006

  1. Gordon Brown Pre-Budget Report in full
  2. David Miliband welcomes Pre-Budget Report environment measures
  3. Modest package of green tax rises
  4. Low Cost Loans For Energy Efficient Homes?
  5. Setback for 'carbon neutral' homes

Micro-Generation Grants

  1. Darling calls for more low carbon buildings
  2. New phase for micro-gen grants but no new cash
  3. Microgeneration for the public sector

Applications

  1. Applications sought for Affordable Warmth – Sustainable World Awards

Code for Sustainable Homes

  1. Ruth Kelly tours 'zero carbon' East London home
  2. Code for Sustainable Homes

Consultation Document

  1. Building a Greener Future - Consultation Document

New Products

  1. Defra unveils online guide to greener living on Directgov
  2. Corrugated sheets make cheap solar heater

General News

  1. Green cash boost
  2. City council carbon emissions slashed
  3. The 'zero energy' homes
  4. Markets for clean energy
  5. Wharfe villagers have last chance to comment on Eco development
  6. On The Up High-Rise Gaining Ground
  7. Local councils crucial to fighting climate change
  8. Solar panel firm says show was ‘unbalanced’
  9. Renewable energy - weighing up the options
  10. Powell Dobson to design Assembly's buildings in Aberystwyth

 

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Pace Quickens for Solar Thermal Energy in Europe

With clear targets and the right policies, solar thermal can reduce fuel costs for millions of citizens and save millions of tons of CO2.

In the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation's (ESTIF) recent publication, a Solar Thermal Action Plan for Europe, ESTIF proposes that by 2020, the EU should aim at reaching 1 square meter of collector area for every European -- or 320 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of installed capacity. The plan calls for a mix of support policies: regulations requiring the use of solar thermal are recommended for new buildings and major refurbishments; financial incentives to speed up the introduction of solar thermal in existing buildings; training of professionals and R&D funding are needed for the long-term success of the solar thermal markets. The guidelines, useful for policy makers at national, regional and local levels, "will be valuable for the implementation of a coming EU Directive addressing renewable heating and cooling," says Nigel Cotton, chairman of ESTIF's Advisory Council.

14 February 2007

Promising applications such as solar cooling and process heat, expected to play an important role in tomorrow's energy supply, are slowly finding their way into the markets.

-- Ole Pilgaard, ESTIF, president

Introduction

Ten years ago, the European Commission published its White Paper on Renewables, proposing a Community Strategy and Action Plan. Since then, European Directives to promote renewables in the electricity sector and in the transport sector have been successful in kicking off substantial growth in these two sectors.

However, the renewable heating and cooling (RES-H) sector has been neglected at EU level and in most Member States. Thus, the fragmented solar thermal development is not surprising. If all EU countries used solar thermal as enthusiastically as the Austrians, the EU's installed capacity would already be 91 GWth (130 million m2) today, far beyond the target of 100 million m2 by 2010, set by the White Paper in 1997. However, this target will be missed by a wide margin, due to the numerous countries that are still in the starting blocks.

We warmly welcome the Renewable Energy Roadmap presented by the European Commission on 10 January 2007, as it definitively corrects this misperception and fully integrates RES-H* into the European strategy. Regrettably, the Roadmap does not measure up to its own message, as it fails to follow the European Parliament's resolution of February 2006, which called for an EU Directive to promote RES-H, including targets at EU and national level. This call is widely supported by a broad coalition of industry, environmental organisations, research and citizens.

While the political debate at EU level develops, all Member States are urged to act as soon as possible to promote solar thermal in their own country.

This Action Plan helps policy makers to identify successful support strategies. The analyses carried out in the course of the Key Issues for Renewable Heat In Europe project clearly show: Public support policies have had a strong impact on the successful development in countries as diverse as Greece, Austria, Germany and recently also France and Spain.

The most successful countries have supported solar thermal over longer periods -- thus avoiding a destructive stop-&-go of the market -- and have implemented a coherent mix of measures, which address not one but several barriers to growth.

Most of these barriers are directly related to the small size of the market. As soon as a critical mass is reached, these barriers vanish:

  • People know about solar thermal and find it natural to use it
  • Standard training of craftsmen includes solar thermal
  • Architects foresee solar thermal as a standard feature in buildings
  • Every installer offers solar thermal systems
  • Industry invests heavily into market development, R&D
  • Mass production and marketing drive down costs

Ten years after the White Paper, the solar thermal sector is in a better position than ever before: Today, an established industry produces highly reliable solutions for sustainable heating and cooling. Solar domestic hot water systems are mature technologies. Combi Systems, which additionally cover parts of the space heating demand, are now widely used in several countries. Promising applications such as solar cooling and process heat, expected to play an important role in tomorrow's energy supply, are slowly finding their way into the markets.

At the same time, the need for a heating and cooling supply based on renewables has become more and more apparent. In a few decades, oil and gas will be too precious to be wasted for low temperature applications, which could be easily supplied by solar thermal. The clear and unmistakable signs of global warming highlight the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Therefore, a new and ambitious goal for solar thermal in Europe is needed. As a minimum, by 2020 we should aim at reaching the same solar thermal penetration on average as Austria has today. This Central European country has shown that it can be done. With more ambitious policies, a bigger goal can be reached: 1m2 of collector area for every European - 320 GWth of installed capacity in 2020.

To be effective, European targets must be followed by targets and measures in each Member State. National targets are essential to make sure that support measures are conceived with a long term perspective and they continue for sufficient time.

We hope this document will help policy makers at European, national and local levels to design successful policies leading each European country to a full exploitation of its potential for clean, safe, cheap and endless solar energy for heating and cooling purposes.

Ole Pilgaard, President, ESTIF

* The development of the Solar Thermal Action Plan for Europe was supported by the European Communities, as part of the "Key Issues for Renewable Heat in Europe (K4RES-H)," a project which aims at stimulating growth of renewable heating and cooling (RES-H).

 

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STA NEWS

1. Gareth Ellis resigns as Chief Executive

As some of you may have heard, Gareth Ellis is, sadly, is moving on to pastures new and therefore resigning his position as the STA’s Chief Executive. As from the end of January, he will no longer be working for the National Energy Foundation

It goes without saying that although we will all be very sorry to see him go but that we wish him the very best of luck in the future.

2. David Matthews takes over as ‘National Executive Officer’

The good news is that Gareth is being succeeded by David Matthews under the new title of ‘National Executive Officer’. Many of you will know David .He is thoroughly steeped in the solar thermal industry and the STA. Indeed, prior to taking a position with ESTIF (the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation), he was a very active member of the Association’s Council.

Because of the importance of the role, David will be writing a separate letter to you giving full details of himself, his plans and ideas for the Association and of his work to date. As you will see when you receive his letter (which will be very shortly), he is full of real enthusiasm and is looking forward to moving the STA forward at this very important time.

So, when you receive his letter, please do read it. I know David will value feedback.

3. STA membership grows rapidly

Since 1 May last year (2006), STA’s membership has increased from 61 to 105, and there are currently another 37 applications being processed. Not bad going! The all important when choosing a solar thermal installer. They are therefore increasingly using lists of STA members knowing that they can be relied on.

 

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PRE-BUDGET REPORT 2006

1. Gordon Brown Pre-Budget Report in full

Includes:

“I have said that we should use market mechanisms and incentives to work towards global carbon trading.
“I can report that following the Stern Review, 31 countries in the EU and EFTA have already signed up to emissions trading as the first step to this global framework.
“And we are bringing together the major financial institutions: our aim, to make London the world's leading centre for carbon trading.

http://www.24dash.com/centralgovernment/13999.htm
06/12/2006

2. David Miliband welcomes Pre-Budget Report environment measures

The Chancellor today announced a package of environmental measures to tackle climate change as part of his Pre-Budget Report.

Following the announcement, Secretary of State for the Environment, David Miliband said:

“The UK is widely recognised for its domestic and international commitment to the battle against climate change. The Stern Report has changed the terms of debate about the economy of climate change, and the centrality of emissions reduction through the pricing of environmental damage is central to the Eddington and Barker review. The Pre-Budget Report contains important measures on the international and domestic front consistent with the Government’s belief that every part of the economy and society must play its part in the battle against climate change."

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/061206a.htm
06/12/2006

3. Modest package of green tax rises

Financial Times

Motorists and air travellers bore the brunt of a modest package of green tax rises as Gordon Brown countered a Conservative push on the environment with action against polluters.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/9efa272c-8556-11db-b12c-0000779e2340,dwp_uuid=03265060-69a3-11db -952e-0000779e2340.html
06/12/2006

4. Low Cost Loans For Energy Efficient Homes?

Chancellor Gordon Brown hinted at the scheme in his pre-budget report, saying, “for existing homes I will consult on a new facility to undertake energy audits and offer low loans that will, in time, because of low energy bills, pay for themselves."

http://www.oilfiredup.com/news/index.asp?id=596
15/12/2006

5. Setback for 'carbon neutral' homes

The Chanceller Gordon Brown's pre-Budget speech recently placed great emphasis on his desire to see 'carbon neutral' homes built across the UK.

However, it appears the country's first example in Hackbridge is not working.

http://www.24dash.com/environment/14517.htm
19/12/2006

 

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MICRO-GENERATION GRANTS

1. Darling calls for more low carbon buildings

The secretary of state for trade and industry, Alistair Darling, wants Britain to develop more low- carbon buildings in a bid to lower the UK's overall carbon emissions.

Mr Darling has called for applications from schools, not-for-profit and public sector buildings for grants, which are being offered as part of the second phase of the low carbon buildings programme (LCBP).

http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/news/science/darling-calls-more-low-carbon-buildings-$1028388.htm
11/12/2006

2. New phase for micro-generation grants but no new cash

The second batch of micro-renewables grants is now available, the DTI announced on Monday - but with no extra funds, despite the stark warnings of the Stern review and Britain's growing enthusiasm for small-scale renewables.

A total of £50m in grants will part-fund micro-renewable installations over the next 18 months, industry secretary Alistair Darling said as he launched the second phase of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.

http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=12397&channel=0
11/12/2006

3. Micro-generation for the public sector

Over 20 local authorities are negotiating with the UK's biggest power supplier over how to provide social housing tenants with ways of generating their own energy. The work will be carried out with the aid of the latest round of Government microgeneration funding. British Gas will begin an installation programme next year to provide social housing and other public sector buildings with green energy technology such as solar panels, ground source heat pumps and household wind turbines. Installations will start in Spring 2007.

http://www.newbuilder.co.uk/news/NewsFullStory.asp?ID=1734
13/12/2006

 

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APPLICATIONS SOUGHT

1. Applications sought for Affordable Warmth – Sustainable World Awards

Applications are currently being sought for the NEA and Defra Awards Scheme (in association with npower) for 2007, which will provide an award of up to £2,000 in each of the 9 English Regions, to help deliver an initiative between March and September 2007. Submissions are to be sent to NEA in Newcastle before 23 February and winners will be announced in a ceremony in the House of Lords on 14 March.

There are four categories of award:

  • Partnership working at a regional or local level
  • Integrating sustainable energy solutions into fuel poverty programmes
  • Appointment of energy efficiency champions
  • Delivering affordable warmth solutions in hard to heat homes or rural areas

An application form and more details can be downloaded from http://www.nea.org.uk/Publications/Publications

 

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CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES

1. Ruth Kelly tours 'zero carbon' east London home

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly toured one of Britain's handful of zero carbon properties before today's launch of her Code for Sustainable Homes.

http://www.24dash.com/socialhousing/14262.htm
13/12/2006

2. Code for Sustainable Homes

On 13 December 2006, the Code for Sustainable Homes - a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes was launched.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/code_for_sust_homes.pdf

By integrating elements of this voluntary Code into new homes and obtaining assessments against the Code, developers will be able to obtain a ‘star rating’ for any new home which will demonstrate its environmental performance.

It will provide valuable information to home buyers, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115314116927.html
13/12/2006

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CONSULTATION DOCUMENT

1. Building a Greener Future - Consultation Document

Building a Greener Future: Towards Zero Carbon Development - Consultation Focussed audience - Housing development industry, architects, construction companies, planners,
energy efficiency specialists, environmental stakeholders and academics.

Consultation period is from 13 December 2006 to 8 March 2007

This publication is a consultation document seeking views on the Government's proposals to reduce the carbon footprint of new housing development. It sets out the Government's views on the importance of moving towards zero carbon in new housing. It explores the relationship between the planning system, Code for Sustainable Homes and Building Regulations in delivering our ambitions for zero carbon. And it proposes a timetable for revising the Building Regulations so as to reach zero carbon development in all new housing in England & Wales.

Free to download, or to receive by post.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1505157
13/12/2006

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SOLAR THERMAL INDUSTRY IN EUROPE

Press Release of the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC).

EU Institutions disagree on the future road map for renewables

Brussels, 23 November 2006. Today, the European Parliament provided a clear signal on how to promote renewable energy in the EU up to 2020. At the same moment, several Member States paid no more than lip service to renewable energy, failing to provide concrete measures at an informal meeting in Brussels today. PRESS RELEASE of the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC).

http://www.estif.org/index.php?id=46&backPID=2&pS=1&tt_news=106
23/11/06

European Solar Thermal Technology Platform Commences Work

Berlin / Brussels, November 2006. 49 percent of the European energy demand is used for heating and cooling purposes, a large part of which can be produced using solar thermal systems. The group of experts at the European Solar Thermal Technology Platform (ESTTP) are convinced of this. The platform was founded on May 30th in Brussels and begins work with a kick-off meeting on December 6th. Approximately 70 representatives from research institutions, companies and politics from all across Europe are expected in Brussels. The platform’s goal is to define a vision for the comprehensive use of solar thermal energy in Europe in 2030 and to develop a corresponding research strategy for the upcoming years.


http://www.estif.org/index.php?id=46&backPID=2&pS=1&tt_news=107
24/11/06

Solar Thermal in Europe grows significantly

Brussels/Berlin – The use of solar thermal has increased significantly in 2006, the same applies for sales of solar thermal systems in Europe which grew by 35 % up to 1.900 megawatts of solar thermal power. The most dynamic markets are in France, in the UK, and in Germany, where growth rates are in between 40% and 70%. Industry and research institutions - motivated by their large success - are developing a common vision for the use of solar thermal in 2030 and have just launched the European Solar Thermal Technology Platform (ESTTP)

http://www.estif.org/index.php?id=46&backPID=2&pS=1&tt_news=109
20/12/06

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NEW PRODUCTS

1. Defra unveils online guide to greener living on Directgov

28 December saw the launch of a new online guide to greener living on the government's main public website, Directgov.

RecyclingThe guide is designed to help people find out what they can do in their everyday lives to tackle climate change and other environmental issues.
It includes actions involving the home, shopping, travel, food and drink, waste and recycling, energy and water saving, gardening, and also ideas on how to be greener in your workplace, school or community.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2006/environ-1228.htm
28/12/2006

2. Corrugated sheets make cheap solar heater

Two corrugated plastic sheets, riveted together, provide the means to heat water using sunlight. The idea is the brainchild of William Mollett, proprietor of Phoebus Energy based near Peterborough.

http://www.eurekamagazine.co.uk/article/index.aspx?articleid=FTgcwUv2gT0xOosvHKTjxtxwZLZo4mHEF20EaMvjcg4A
20/12/2006

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GENERAL

1. Green cash boost

A £1.1m boost for Waltham Forest schools could help cut greenhouse gases and make schools buildings sustainable.
Schools could also save money on utility bills if they make their buildings more environmentally friendly.

http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/walthamforest/walthamforestnews/display.var.1028973.0.green_cash_boost.php
20/11/2006

2. City council carbon emissions slashed

Aberdeen City Council has massively exceeded its carbon-busting targets. The city council set a target in 2004 to slash polluting carbon dioxide emissions to 10% below the 2002/03 level by 2010 and to 15% below 2002/03’s figure by 2015. A new report reveals the council in just two years has achieved a massive 31% cut in the amount of the global warming gas it is creating, surpassing by a huge margin its target to cut emissions by a tenth over a period of six years.

http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/acci/web/site/CouncilNews/pr/pr_carbon_211106.asp
21/11/2006

3. The 'zero energy' homes

ECO-FRIENDLY house-hunters in Manchester could soon snap up a pad in the city's first "carbon neutral" apartment block.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/228/228781_the_zero_energy_homes.html
22/11/2006

4. Markets for clean energy

The UK market for renewable energy technology is set to expand at a spectacular rate. Abdel Eljidi predicts the technologies likely to become household names, and those likely to remain on the sidelines:

http://www.voltimum.co.uk/cm.jsp?cat=2&subcat=&action=view&viewmode=details&brand=BSU&universe=infopro. profnews.voltimum&cmid=6418&pagenumber=1
22/11/2006

5. Wharfe villagers have last chance to comment on Eco development

VILLAGERS living north of the River Wharfe are being given what could be their last chance to speak out on plans for a sustainable community' at the former Middleton Hospital site near Ilkley.

http://www.thisisbradford.co.uk/news/tibnews/display.var.1037739.0.wharfe_villagers_have_last_chance_to_ comment_on_eco_development.php
23/11/2006

6. On The Up High-Rise Gaining Ground

Developer's lofty ambitions are rising to the challenge of providing trendy flats for city slickers with a new generation of high-rise apartments across the country.

http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/tm_headline=on-the-up-high-rise-gaining-ground-&method=full &objectid=18159716&siteid=62484-name_page.html
27/11/2006

7. Local councils crucial to fighting climate change

DEFRA

Local authorities are at the forefront of the UK's efforts to cut carbon dioxide emissions, Climate Change Minister Ian Pearson said today, as statistics on local and regional emissions for 2004 were released.

Mr Pearson said the statistics underlined the vital role of local authorities in fighting climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, both in their own work and in the wider community.

“Everyone has a role to play in fighting climate change and reducing emissions,” he said.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/061127b.htm
27/11/2006

8. Solar panel firm says show was ‘unbalanced’

A solar energy company has hit back after being investigated on national television.

Bournemouth firm Solar Technik has claimed that BBC One's Watchdog gave an "unbalanced impression" of its business.

The programme reported customers' claims that the company had promised them large savings on their fuel bills which failed to materialise.

http://www.thisisdorset.net/mostpopular.var.1054566.mostviewed.solar_panel_firm_says_show_was_unbalanced.php
02/12/2006

9. Renewable energy - weighing up the options

With the Government pumping money into low carbon technologies, and local authorities demanding 10 percent of energy to be generated by renewables, what options are open to designers? BSRIA's Nigel Anderson investigates the sources of financial support and the technology options.

http://www.voltimum.co.uk/cm.jsp?cat=2&subcat=&action=view&viewmode=details&brand=BSU&universe =infopro.profnews.voltimum&cmid=6510&pagenumber=1
08/12/2006

10. Powell Dobson to design Assembly's buildings in Aberystwyth

In a two-pronged project Powell Dobson will design offices for the Welsh Assembly Government and Ceredigion County Council at Aberystwyth's Park Avenue site.

"Both briefs placed a great deal of emphasis on environmental sustainability and we responded to this by designing a building that will passively control a large part of the internal environment, by using high thermal mass, good solar control and natural ventilation wherever possible. The buildings then further reduce their energy consumption by the use of appropriate renewable energy measures, such as solar water heating, a biomass boiler and rainwater harvesting."

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0300business/0100news/tm_headline=powell-dobson-to-design-assembly-s-buildings-in-aberystwyth&method=full&objectid=18289085&siteid=50082-name_page.html
20/12/2006
ClearSkies - Renewable Energy Grants The Solar Trade Association