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Promotion of a new generation of solar thermal systems in the MPC

Final Report Summary - SOLATERM (Promotion of a new generation of solar thermal systems in the MPC)

The increased potential of the Mediterranean countries to produce energy using solar radiation could be exploited to respond to the increasing energy demand. Nevertheless, unfavourable economic and regulatory framework conditions, along with lack of technology adaptation to specific regional needs, hampered progress towards this direction in the past.

The SOLATERM project aimed to widely apply a new generation of solar systems for hot water preparation, space heating and cooling in the Southern Mediterranean. The project included transfer of knowledge and adaptation of existing technologies to meet regional demands, as well as promotion of cost-effective solutions through the exploitation of integrated energy concepts. In addition, the political will to invest in renewable energy production was supported via dissemination of information to decision-makers, in order to motivate research and development (R&D) projects.

Firstly, the framework for application of solar thermal energy was analysed, along with the technologies that presented increased utilisation potential. Solar water heating systems were the most penetrating option, with local manufacturers operating in most countries. However, national schemes for standardisation, testing and specification were often not available, even though they formed a prerequisite for market development. R&D and improvement of policy contexts could radically increase the production capacity and reduce the local level manufacturing costs.

The environmental benefits of energy innovations' exploitation were indisputable. However, the specific advantages of developing a renewable energy market depended on the abundance or scarcity of fossil fuels within the target countries. In the first case, depleted resources could be rationally utilised and environmental impacts could be mitigated. In fuel scarce countries, energy imports could be reduced while security of supply increased. Moreover, national economies would be protected against oil prices fluctuations, new job opportunities would arise and environmental problems and gases emissions would be reduced. It should also be noted that relative costs of energy of various origins influenced the market penetration of renewable energy in all cases.

The 'Abu-Dhabi declaration on environment and energy', which was adopted by the participating countries, resulted in remarkable institutional and human expertise in renewable energy fields even though the efforts for sustainability promotion were usually inefficient. Nevertheless, innovative practices' application was impeded by numerous political, social and economic barriers, which were often not related to technological obstacles. Thus, recommendations towards reducing some of the limitations were developed and targeted policy strategies were formed to facilitate the expansion of large solar applications.

The project included the development of a knowledge management system, the establishment of an internet platform for dissemination and communication purposes and the design of an external communication strategy. In addition, a tool for optimisation of solar thermal collectors was developed and distributed to the involved parties. The effective collaboration of experts and stakeholders was ensured via the organisation of conferences, site visits and working groups and the distribution of R&D documentation. Finally, links between the project and parallel policy and research efforts were developed in order to maximise the potential SOLATERM effects and create a basis for future development.