SOLTRAIN Phase IV – Southern African Solar Thermal Training and Demonstration Initiative – Phase IV

In order to support the broad rollout programmes of solar thermal systems in all six participating countries, Solar Thermal Roadmaps and Implementation Plans were developed in Phase III in broad stakeholder processes in close cooperation with policy (ministries and governmental bodies).

The next logical step in Phase IV is the implementation of the Solar Thermal Roadmaps and Implementation Plans in a medium-term process in close coordination with the renewable and solar energy policies of the partner countries.

SOLTRAIN – Phase IV focusses on five major areas:

• Support political stakeholders at the implementation of the Solar Thermal Roadmaps and Implementation Plans, that were published after a broad stakeholder process in all partner countries.
• Increase technical skills by carrying out a number of training courses targeted at different levels and stakeholder groups in the value chain of solar thermal technology.
• Raise awareness of the potentials of solar thermal technology by using targeted campaigns. Relevant stakeholders and the public are made aware of the wide range of application areas for solar thermal systems. Awareness rising also includes showing the benefits of solar thermal systems concerning energy supply, poverty alleviation, job creation and the protection of the natural environment.
• Strengthen institutional structures in Southern African Countries, which can offer expert advice, training and technical support to the local industry and politicians. For this purpose, the solar thermal technology platforms are supported, which were established in the previous phases. Similar to the European technology platforms these platforms include all key stakeholders and sectors that influence the general conditions of how to accelerate the dissemination and use of solar thermal systems. These platforms act as an interface between the local companies and the relevant governmental institutions in order to speed up the broad implementation of solar thermal technologies.
• Demonstrate that solar thermal technology works: During this phase of the project, solar thermal demonstration plants will be constructed so that the knowledge gained in the training programs can be applied in practice. Both smaller and bigger plants will be set up in social institutions and small and medium enterprises, at which they will contribute to water heating, cooling and the generation of process heat.