ENERGY : SOLAR THERMAL IN EUROPE ON THE UP.

The use of solar thermal has increased significantly in 2006, according to the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF). 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) which began work on 6 December 2006. The aim is to draw up a research and development strategy by 2008.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

France shows annual growth rates from 50 % up to 100 % and aims to increase the newly installed capacity from 150 megawatt-thermal (MWth) per year to reach 700 MWth per year...