On April 14th, 2011, the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF, Brussels, Belgium) and the European
Heating Oil Association (Eurofuel, Brussels, Belgium) released a statement advocating thermal/conventional hybrid
solar boiler systems.
The organizations also questioned new eco-design and energy labeling measures, and called for greater recognition of hybrid systems in labeling.
"The EU’s new Energy Efficiency Plan stressed once again the massive potential for primary energy savings in buildings, specifically through efficient heating systems,” says Eurofuel President Dr. Christian Küchen.
“But we must take it one step further and offer consumers cost-effective solutions, such as hybrid systems combining oil appliances with solar thermal energy.”
Organizations warn against deterring low-income consumers
ESTIF and Eurofuel cite heating oil's "unmatched" storage capacity as a means to combine efficiency with management of heating costs.
The organizations state that a proposed set of eco-design and energy labeling measures for boilers recently circulated to stakeholders of the Commission is a major step forward. However, ESTIF and Eurofuel warn that "excessively" high efficiency criteria and energy appliance labeling could deter low-income consumers from replacing their heating systems.
The organizations have called for a progressive introduction of these labeling measures, with proper recognition of the benefits of hybrid
systems in labeling.
