energy solutions

for better buildings

It is only with the Renewable Energy Sources directive that heating and cooling has been identified as the third pillar in the energy demand alongside transport and electricity production. This “sleeping giant” accounts for half of the total European final energy demand. The First Annual Conference of the European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling on 23 and 24 February 2010 in Bilbao will elaborate the common vision of the research need and technological priorities for this industry, hence unleashing its huge potential in terms of economic development and reduction of CO2 emissions. 

Building upon the success of the solar thermal Strategic Research Agenda published in December 2008 the European Commission has encouraged the renewable heating and cooling industries to join forces in a common technology platform. The outcome of this common effort is the creation of the European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling (RHC-Platform). The RHC-Platform will identify the research and development requirements for the sector and set the priorities in terms of technologies. This vision will constitute a reference document for European and national public authorities when shaping future support policies for these industries.

“Until recently, Renewable Heating and Cooling has received little political attention and in most EU Member States there is not yet a comprehensive approach to support this sector”, says Gerhard Stryi-Hipp, President of the RHC-Platform. “This is particularly striking in view of the fact that heating and cooling accounts for around half of Europe’s final energy consumption.”

By participating in the elaboration of this common vision for renewable heating and cooling, research and industry players will gain valuable insights into leading technologies and have a unique opportunity to influence the evolution of the sector’s R&D.

The event will take place under the auspices of the Spanish Presidency and hence be supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, the Basque Energy Board (EVE) and the Spanish Association of Renewable Energy Producers (APPA).

For more information, please visit: www.rhc-platform.org