Over 500 participants from 50 countries listened as Ms. Mechtild Rothe, Vice-President of the European Parliament and Mr. Vilas Muttemwar, Minister for New and Renewable Energy for the Government of India discussed policies to support renewable energy in Europe and in India during the closing session of the estec2007 in Freiburg.

Experts from the solar thermal industry and research sector gave an insight into the European and global markets. Speakers and participants came from as far as Asia, South America and Australia to participate in this year‘s European Solar Thermal Energy Conference, estec2007, making it the largest and most successful conference on solar thermal worldwide. The topics covered by the estec2007 ranged from market development and country reports to technical issues as well as sessions on standards and certification. The sessions on quality assurance and financing incentives were also well received.

A further highlight of the estec2007 was the conference dinner, proudly sponsored by the European Copper Institute.

The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation, ESTIF, has decided to move the estec to a different European location from 2009. This is to accommodate the increasing number of international participants and will enable estec to grow even further. The location and dates for the estec2009 will be published as soon as the information is available.

The proceedings of the estec2007, which contain more than 70 reports presented during estec2007, can now be purchased online here

Gerhard Rabensteiner
CEO, Sonnenholding

In our booming market, international networking and exchange of information is crucial. I am sure that estec2007 will again be the best platform in a pleasant environment.


Matthias Fawer
Sustainability analyst and Vice-President, Bank Sarasin


The solar thermal sector is often underestimated by the financial world. estec2007 will be an excellent occasion to obtain in-depth information on this booming sector with high growth potential.


Kathy McVeigh
Commercial Manager, Thermomax


No other conference gives the opportunity to discuss with so many colleagues, customers and competitors about issues crucial for our sector.


Mechtild Rothe
President of Eufores
Member of the European Parliament


At the estec2005 I promised to table an initiative report of the European Parliament on renewable heating and cooling. In February 2006, the Parliament approved it with overwhelming majority and EU Comissioner Piebalgs promised to come forward with a Directive proposal by the end of 2006. At estec2007, I will be glad to discuss the progress during the hottest phase of the political debate at EU level.


Volker Wittwer
Deputy Director, Fraunhofer ISE


I am glad that Freiburg is again hosting the estec, the best meeting point for the international research and industry communities in the field of solar energy.

© FWTM/Raach