SWOT analysis

This document comprises training material developed in the framework of the SDHtake-off project with the support of Intelligent Energy Europe Programme. It has been designed as a “pool” of information to be used by all training organizations. It gives a broad overview of the solar thermal technologies employed for district heating, their characteristics as well as the legislative and technical requirements that are applicable in the EU.

This document released by Green Line Association, a Lebanese NGO, provides an overview of the renewable energies penetration in Lebanon and in surrounding countries (Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria).

In Lebanon, collective solar water heating (SWH) systems' installations have verified an annual increase rate of 24% since 2000, whereas in the past individual SWH systems were more common. The figures show that a decrease in the purchasing costs of the systems has been positive to the market.

This research paper issued by the Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering of the Aristotle University Thessaloniki relates to the historic evolution of energy building regulations.

This technology roadmap from 2008 has been commissioned to identify goals and milestones for the research, development and demonstration of high temperature solar thermal (HTST) technology in Australia.

This article offers an outline to the solar district heating market in Europe and in particular outlines the trend to diurnal storage and heat-driven cooling applications.

A SWOT analysis of the industry points to technical and non-technical barriers for market development, but highlights that among others combined heating and cooling offer advantages to the sector.

The greatest potential for market development is foreseen for Germany, France, UK, Poland, Netherlands and Belgium.

Information on centralised solar heating plants is also included.