European Solar Thermal Energy Conference features a Session dedicated to Installers

The 5TH European Solar Thermal Energy Conference (ESTEC) will take place in Marseille on 20 and 21 October 2011. Over 500 participants are expected to attend this definitive event for the solar thermal industry organized by ESTIF and ENERPLAN with the support of ADEME.

ESTEC is a biennial international conference bringing together key players in the field of solar thermal to share the latest information on market trends, political and regulatory developments as well as on innovations. In 2011, for the first time, an entire session will be wholly dedicated to installers, mainstay of the European solar thermal sector and its success.

With its 8% market share in Europe, the booming French market for solar thermal energy has grown from 83 900 m² (58,730 kWth) in 2003 to 335 000 m² (234 500 kWth) in 2009, i.e. a fourfold increase in installed capacity over six years. However, in 2009, after years of uninterrupted growth, the solar thermal market contracted in metropolitan France (-15%) in spite of an overall increase of 19% over the whole territory (including overseas departments).

The objectives set by the Multi-Year Investment Programme for renewable heat are ambitious and foresee a great potential for growth in the French market. One million square metres of solar panels should be installed annually in France by 2012 against 335 000 m² in 2009. Numerous companies have already invested in the production of solar collectors France and the solar thermal industry is a net exporter. The sector represents a real economic growth factor as in Europe it already employs over 40 000 people and generates a turnover exceeding 3 billion euros.

At ESTEC 2011 in Marseille, there will be a strong emphasis on emerging markets in southern Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East. Besides the Mediterranean Solar Plan, the European solar thermal industry must seek these new markets as well as actively contribute to their development.

The 5th European Conference on Solar Thermal – ESTEC 2011 – is organized by the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) and ENERPLAN with the support of ADEME. Over two days in 2009, more than 400 participants from 43 different countries attended ESTEC in Munich (Germany).

More information: www.estec2011.org

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