TASK 68: Efficient Solar District Heating Systems

Heat is the largest energy end-use, accounting for 50% of global final energy consumption in 2018 and contributing to 40% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Of the total heat produced, about 46% was consumed in buildings for space and water heating at relatively low temperatures. Regarding the heat supply of buildings, district heating systems play an important role and are well-established in many countries since they typically enable efficient resource utilization.

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IEA-SHC Solar Heating & Cooling Programme International Energy Agency

IEA Solar Heating & Cooling Technology Collaboration Programme

The Solar Heating and Cooling Technology Collaboration Programme (SHC TCP) was established in 1977, one of the first programmes of the International Energy Agency, to promote the use of all aspects of solar thermal energy. The SHC TCP's work is unique in that it is accomplished through the international collaborative effort of experts from member countries and the European Union.

The benefits of this approach are:

  • accelerates the pace of technology development
  • promotes standardization
  • enhances national R&D programmes
  • permits national specialization
  • saves time and money

Collaborating Organizations

 

What's New
  • SunPeek – Automated Power Check for Utility-Scale Solar Heat Systems - Evaluating the performance of solar thermal plants is of great interest for operators and it provides a basis for optimizations. A tool for this task is SunPeek, which met with great interest at the recent IEA SHC Solar Academy webinar in November. The open-source software automates the performance assessment of collector fields in operation by comparing target and measured power output. SunPeek is available free of charge for scientific and commercial use. (Posted: 2024-12-13)
  • "We need to ensure thermosiphon systems fit the needs of today’s customer" - IEA SHC Task 69 on Solar Hot Water for 2030 brings together the expertise of solar water heating technology experts in Africa and Asia Pacific. (Posted: 2024-11-30)
  • National Day shines light on future potential and market realities - At the German National Day at the beginning of November entitled “Solar Technology for the Future”, the heat experts clearly pointed out the huge gap that currently exists between long-term potential studies and the actual market development of solar heat technologies. (Posted: 2024-11-16)
  • 22 inspiring Solar Neighborhoods Depicted on a Map - Urban surfaces play a major role in enhancing sustainability and climate resilience of neighborhoods. They offer opportunities not only for producing renewable energies and correctly managing passive solar gains and daylight, but also for greening and cooling the neighborhood. (Posted: 2024-11-16)
  • Technology Radar for Solar Energy Buildings - Buildings with a high solar fraction require a good mix of technologies and energy efficiency measures. The scientists of IEA SHC Task 66 on Solar Energy Buildings have analysed 150 such buildings and identified and listed the new and innovative elements. (Posted: 2024-11-11)
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Solar Heat Worldwide

NEW EDITION!

Solar Heat Worldwide 2020Solar Heat Worldwide 2020

Our annual statistics report, Solar Heat Worldwide, details the positive impact of solar heating and cooling technologies on climate protection. -- Read More

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Publication Highlight

Solar Heat Integrations in Industrial Processes

Solar Heat for Industrial Processes (SHIP) is at the early stages of development but is considered to have enormous potential for solar thermal applications. The industrial sector accounts for approximately 30% of the total energy consumption  in OECD countries. And, the major share of the energy needed in this sector is used for heating and cooling buildings and production processes at temperatures from ambient up to approximately 350°C. This is a temperature range that can be addressed with solar thermal technologies. -- View PDF

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