The forthcoming EU Renewables Directive will introduce measures to reach 20% renewables in the EU by 2020. Heating and cooling from renewable energy sources (RES-H) are crucial to reaching this target. And solar thermal offers particular advantages: It does not rely on scarce resources, it is available almost everywhere, it does not increase electricity consumption, and it is emissions free.
All forms of RES-H and energy efficiency measures should be supported. However, the priority in the long term will be to cover with solar energy as much heating demand as possible. Already now, solar thermal is one of the most cost effective renewables.
In November 2007, ESTIF published a position paper "Heating and Cooling in the upcoming EU Renewables Directive". It explains how the Directive can help speed-up the uptake of solar thermal. And it warns against a renewed discussion about "Guarantees of Origin", which would not help reaching the 20% renewables target.
Please download the ESTIF position paper "Heating and Cooling in the upcoming EU Renewables Directive" .
 
Source www.estif.org