IEA Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)

The IEA's Solar Heating and Cooling program has been carrying out joint research activities in the field of solar thermal energy since 1977. The focus is on the active and passive use of solar energy for heating and cooling of buildings, solar district heating and solar heat for industrial applications.

Short Description

Global final energy consumption for heating and cooling has remained virtually unchanged for many years at around 50 % of total final energy consumption. Industrial processes account for 53 % of final energy consumption for heat, while a further 44 % is used in buildings for space heating and hot water. The remainder is used in agriculture, primarily for heating greenhouses.

The majority of applications in the above-mentioned sectors are in a temperature range below 250 degrees Celsius and are therefore easily accessible for solar thermal applications.

Vision of the program

In 2030, 50 % of the low-temperature range for heating and cooling should be covered by solar thermal energy.

Mission of the program

The Solar Heating and Cooling Program undertakes joint international efforts in the field of solar thermal energy for buildings, solar district heating and industrial processes. This creates significant added value to national research, development and demonstration projects and other programs and initiatives.

To achieve the vision, the SHC program cooperates with other IEA programs, such as Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Communities, Photovoltaics, Concentrating Solar Power and Heat Pumps, as well as with solar associations in Europe (ESTIF), USA and Australia. The results are communicated to solar research companies, solar producers, energy suppliers and service companies for end users and building owners.

Tasks with Austrian involvement

Ongoing Tasks

Completed Tasks

Participants

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Denmark France, France Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom

Contact Address

AEE INTEC
DI Christoph Brunner
Feldgasse 19
8200 Gleisdorf
Tel.: +43 3112 5886-470
E-Mail: c.brunner@aee.at

Christine Promok, MSc
Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation und Technologie (BMK)
Sektion III – Innovation und Technologie
Abteilung 3 – Energie- und Umwelttechnologien
Radetzkystraße 2
A-1030 Wien
Tel.: +43 664 887 42 408
E-Mail: christine.promok@bmk.gv.at