Belgium

The Workshop “Future challenges for solar thermal R&D” organised by the ESTTP (European Solar Thermal Technology Panel) of the European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating & Cooling (RHC-Platform) will take place in Brussels, on the 12^th December 2011. The workshop will discuss some of the challenges for solar thermal R&D and contribute to the update of the ESTTP Strategic Research Agenda (SRA).

This week, the Swiss Bank Sarasin published the 12^th edition of their solar industry report, covering all three solar technologies: solar heating and cooling (ST), photovoltaics (PV), and concentrating solar power (CSP). The chapter on solar thermal identifies great differences in the market development of national markets and regions. While the Chinese market continues to shine, many European countries are suffering from decreasing or stagnating markets. Nevertheless, Sarasin predicts a great future, with a global average growth of 12% per year until 2020.

The  European Solar Days Advocacy Event  “Europe’s energy independence and security of supply starts with solar” will take place at Radisson Blu EU Hotel, Brussels, Belgium on 26 May 2011. The debate on Europe’s energy mix is today more important than ever. Recent events have accentuated the need to consider alternative, more sustainable energy sources. Renewable energies and especially solar energy can play a central role within Europe’s energy strategy. European energy independence and security will be the core theme of this year’s European Solar Days campaign closing event.

Europe’s Renewable Energy Policy Conference, EREC, is going to take place in Brussels on 24 May 2011. The 4th Biannual Edition is a discussion forum for the European renewable energy industry, and favours interactions with the European Parliament, as well the new European Commission. The conference will provide a reality check on the 2010 White Paper Targets for Renewable Energy Sources, debate the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive, and outline Europe’s energy pathway to 2050.

Europe’s Renewable Energy Policy Conference will take place in Brussels at 24 May 2011. The 4th Biannual Edition will be an unique platform for the European renewable energy industry and promotes interactions with the European Parliament as well as the new European Commission and will provide a reality check on the 2010 White Paper Targets for Renewable Energy Sources, debate the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive and outline Europe’s energy pathways to 2050. More than 600 stakeholders are expected to attend from a wide range of backgrounds.

According to a press release by German manufacturer Consolar, the solar thermal system at the Antarctic polar station "Princess Elisabeth" is going to be expanded during the current research season 2010/2011. The station of the International Polar Foundation (IPF) started its work in February 2009 and is the first polar research base operating entirely on renewable energies (see http://www.solarthermalworld.org/node/605). Thomas Gillon (photo) from the Belgium office of Consolar put the two systems through their paces and could confirm their flawless operation even under extreme weather conditions.
Photo: International Polar Foundation

After a five-month delay, Belgium finally submitted its National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) in November 2010 - with quite ambitious targets for solar thermal: The cumulative collector area is to increase by a 22-fold, from 0.21 million m² in 2010 to 4.62 million m² in 2020. Tax credits and incentive programmes are thought to support the implementation. However, experts doubt its feasibility.
Source: NREAP/own calculations

The buffer tank Ecoscience by Swedish tank manufacturer Fueltech Sweden AB is the first tank to receive the P-Mark certification. After one year of testing and paper work, the P-labelling of the 520 litre tank with fresh-water station and external solar loading module was approved at the beginning of November 2010. P-Mark is a quality mark developed by SP, the Swedish National Testing and Research Institute. To receive the label, a product must fulfil requirements in four different categories: efficiency, safety, documentation and manufacturing quality.
Photo: Fueltech Sweden

Solar Thermal Ordinances (STO) are legal provisions stipulating the installation of solar thermal systems in buildings. In general, the obligation applies equally to new buildings and major refurbishments.

Most of the existing STOs are incorporated into national or regional energy legislation and implemented through municipal building codes. Municipalities, regions and countries are increasingly adopting solar thermal obligations and already over 150 million people in Europe live in regions covered by a STO.

Everything revolves around the sun: 17 European countries participate in the 3rd edition of the European Solar Days from 1 to 16 May 2010. Around 6,600 events are planned for this year’s campaign, involving several hundred thousand citizens at a local level.
Photo: Fotostudio Pflueg