During the Annual Conference of the RHC-Platform, its President, Gerhard Stryi-Hipp, announced that the selection process for a new Steering Committee of its European Solar Thermal Technology Panel (ESTTP) is under way from 9 May.

Since the start of its mandate in 2008, the first Steering Committee of the ESTTP has played a significant role in the achievements of the Platform so far, including the development of the Strategic Research Agenda and the enlargement of the ESTTP into the RHC-Platform.

This is why it is of paramount importance to ensure that a transparent and effective selection process takes place, based on a full and fair representation of the sector. This process will be concluded by 15 June 2011, when a new Steering Committee will be appointed and a first meeting scheduled.

The deadline for applications is 27 May 2011. Interested applicants can find all relevant information, including selection criteria and application form at www.rhc-platform.org 

About the ESTTP
The European Solar Thermal Technology Platform (ESTTP) was launched on 21 June 2005. This was a major step to advance the development of solar thermal technology. As early as 2006, the ESTTP formulated its 2030 vision for low-temperature solar thermal, the outcome was the publication at the end of 2008 of a Strategic Research Agenda "Solar Heating and Cooling for a Sustainable Energy Future in Europe". This document, developed by over 100 experts, sets out the research programme and infrastructure needed if solar thermal is to supply 50% of the heating and cooling energy demand in Europe. In 2009 the ESTTP was enlarged to become the European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling. Therefore, ESTTP now refers to the Solar Thermal Technology PAanel of this enlarged Platform which now also includes other renewable technologies

About the European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling
The European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating & Cooling (RHC-Platform) brings together industry, research and policy stakeholders from the biomass, geothermal and solar thermal sectors to determine a common strategy for increasing the use of renewable energy technologies in heating and cooling.

Building on the experience acquired since 2005 within the European Solar Thermal Technology Platform (ESTTP), now incorporated in the RHC-Platform, four major European organisations – EUREC, AEBIOM, EGEC and ESTIF – are spearheading the development of a common Vision and a Strategic Research Agenda for the renewable heating and cooling sector in Europe.

The RHC-Platform, officially endorsed by the European Commission since October 2008, is playing a decisive role in maximising synergies and strengthening efforts towards research, development and technological innovation which will consolidate Europe’s leading position in the sector.

About European Technology Platforms
European Technology Platforms represent a framework for stakeholders, led by industry, to define research and development priorities, timeframes and action plans on a number of strategically important issues. They also play a key role in ensuring an adequate focus of research funding on areas with a high degree of industrial relevance, by covering the whole economic value chain and by mobilising public authorities at national and regional levels.

Press contacts:

Theresa Doetsch                                                      Simone Landolina
Tel: +32 2 546 19 89                                                 Tel: +32 2 546 19 43
theresa.doetsch@estif.org                                         landolina(at)eurec.be

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