Decarbonizing the German industrial thermal energy use with solar, hydrogen, and other options–Recommendations for the world

This paper is based on a position paper of the German Industry Association Concentrated Solar Power e.V. to the German government and discusses options on how to decarbonize the heat demand of the domestic industry. Among other option, concentration solar collectors are a suitable option in Germany, which has not been expected by many experts. The paper derives requirements that are needed to ensure a quick and sustainable way to decarbonize industrial heat demand. They are considered to also be relevant for many other countries that follow the same ambition to become climate neutral in the next decades.

They major statements are:

• A mix of different renewable energy technologies in conjunction with efficiency measures is needed to ensure a secure, climate-friendly and cost-efficient heat supply for the industry

• The different technology options for the provision of heat from renewable sources, through electrification and through hydrogen can and must be combined and integrated with each other.

• In this context, concentrating solar thermal represents an important part of the hybrid supply portfolio of a decarbonized industry

This requires:

• The definition of an expansion target for process heat and the flanking measures

• Ensuring the equivalence of renewable heat, renewable electricity and green hydrogen - also as hybrid solutions

• The promotion of concentrating solar thermal reference projects as an impetus for market ramp-up in Germany

• The launch of an information campaign for heat consumers and the establishment of a pool of consultants.