Dear Madams and Sirs,

 

Solar thermal is a perfect answer to a crucial issue: a sustainable energy supply for our societies, in Europe and worldwide. That’s why the solar thermal industry faces enormous opportunities in the coming years. However, there still are prejudices and information gaps about solar thermal.

 

In the last year, ESTIF has been successful in setting on the EU agenda the need for stronger policies to promote solar thermal, within the framework of an enhanced awareness for renewable heating and cooling in general. In its Communication of May 2004, the European Commission acknowledged that "considerable extra action is needed in this sector to enable the full 12% target to be reached …(that) will require a step change in national policies towards the use of renewable energy in heating" and "The Commission will bring forward further initiatives – if necessary, legislative proposals – to accelerate the fulfilment of the potential …"

 

ESTIF will continue its work to promote solar thermal. But we need your active support: policy makers in all EU Member States and beyond must be convinced of the need of stronger policies to promote solar thermal. The European Commission will only be able to act if there is enough political support throughout the continent.

 

The material provided here is aimed at motivating you to actively participate in this process, by using every available opportunity to push our aim: to create high acceptance and priority for solar thermal as a key element for sustainable heating and cooling. Please, let ESTIF know the results of all relevant lobby talks and give us your suggestions on how we can improve this material.

 

Ole Pilgaard, President of ESTIF

 

P.S.: wishing you lasting success in your work with this.

 

To which user groups will this be of interest?

This pack supports decision-makers in the solar industry, employees of solar associations, as well as industry multipliers in their policy development and public relations work.

 

What does this material contain?

The most important key arguments for the market introduction of solar technology are supplied in the following themed sections - energy, economical, environmental policy and engagement.

 

What purpose does this material serve?

The subsequent texts and graphics are intended to enable the above-cited user groups to give their active support to the solar associations’ activities, thereby contributing to the creation of the best political conditions for the expansion of the European solar thermal industry.

 

On which target groups do the contents focus?

The primary intended use of this material is in dialogue with politicians, media representatives, as well as other opinion-makers and multipliers in society.

 

In what situations can the material be used?

The draft articles can be used to support arguments and to aid illustration in discussions with interested target groups.

 

How should this material be used?

The press texts have been formulated in such a way as to be easily transferable into press releases without the need for any major changes. In addition, the graphics can be used in presentations, in discussions with local or national policy makers, for example. There is no charge for using the materials contained - provided that sources are properly acknowledged.

 

Who produced this material?

Both the conception and implementation of this material originate from the members of the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF). Special thanks go to the Board of Directors, the Advisory Council and Solarpraxis AG.