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With the launch of the Solar Food Processing Network in January 2013, India can look forward to a successful usage of solar thermal systems to meet the energy needs of this sector. The initiative for the network came from private entrepreneur Ghanshyam Lukhi (see the small photo above). He is the owner of Tapi Food, an export-oriented producer of tutty-fruity, jam, jelly, soft drink concentrate and ginger candy, located in Gujarat state, Western India (see second photo). Since November 2008, most of the factory’s energy has come from a solar thermal concentrating system installed on its roof. The well-performing system has become a landmark project for India’s food processing sector. Meanwhile, other process industries have already commissioned another 10 of those systems.
Parallel to the residential subsidy scheme, the Croatian Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund (EPEEF) has been offering financial support to private and public entities since December 2012. The interest-free loans cover up to 40% of the total investment in the renewable system, up to a maximum amount of Croatian Kuna (HRK) 1.4 million (approx. EUR 185,000) and a maximum repayment period of seven years. Eligible technologies include solar thermal, off-grid photovoltaics and heat pumps. The programme allows only two projects per company. The photo shows the Zaton campsite near Zadar, at which Croatian collector manufacturer Tehnomont installed 238 collectors.
On 3 December 2012, Croatia started another year of nationwide subsidies. The Croatian Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund (EPEEF) grants households up to 40% of the solar water heater investment, up to a maximum of Croatian Kuna (HRK) 12,000 (EUR 1,580) per house or flat. Eligible technologies include solar thermal, off-grid photovoltaics, heat pumps and biomass boilers. The beginning in 2009 was accompanied by a large countrywide media campaign. “I can have solar collectors, too!” said Victor, a popular comic book character known all over Croatia (see the ad above). Leaflets and posters went hand in hand with an awareness-raising campaign in the press, on the radio and on TV. There was even a picture book for children, which became widely distributed all around Croatia. The consequence: today’s demand is higher than the programme’s budget.
The ISH 2013 Design Plus Award goes to: Austrian Kioto Group’s Solcrafte Style. Out of the nearly 200 submissions from 15 countries, the jury recognised 34 as particularly outstanding, including Kioto’s integrated storage collector, the only solar thermal product among the winners. The international trade fair for innovative bathroom design, energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning technology and renewable energies, took place in Frankfurt, Germany, from 12 to 16 March 2013.
During a Technology Workshop on Solar Process Heat for Industry organised by the Solar Thermal Technology Panel of the RHC-Platform, the European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling, European experts presented the latest developments and insights into collector technology, as well as solar thermal system integration for industrial processes, ranging from drying to pasteurisation and sterilisation. Around 60 participants from the industry, research, industry associations and EU institutions attended the workshop held at the Renewable Energy House in Brussels on 15 March 2013.
