IEA SHC Task 55: „Towards the Integration of Large SHC Systems Into DHC Networks“
Abstract
Solar thermal large-scale installations provide less than 1% of heat for DHC networks globally. The interest into solar thermal energy installations increases, but still strong measures are necessary to promote the technology across countries and energy policy frameworks. So how can the share of solar thermal energy be increased in district heating and cooling networks globally? Today, technical, economic, and policy measures still restrict a profound market development and limit the integration of large scale solar systems into different types of energy networks despite the huge potential of the technology to provide heat based on renewable sources. The new IEA SHC Task 55 extends research towards district heating and cooling networks, main system components and hybrid technologies. Additionally, the Task provides a new platform for scientists and industry partners to share their knowledge and solve pressing technical, political, and economic questions.