Solar Thermal Heat and Power Technology: Developments and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

In the context of the escalating climate change crisis and the pressing need for sustainable shifts in our energy consumption habits, the development and enhancement of solar thermal heat and power technology have emerged as pivotal ventures for the future. This burgeoning field of renewable energy leverages the abundant and inexhaustible power of solar radiation to generate both heat and electricity, presenting a clean, efficient, and versatile solution to the world’s increasing energy demands. As global efforts intensify to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and curb greenhouse gas emissions, solar thermal technology stands at the forefront of renewable energy innovations, offering a promising pathway toward achieving energy independence and environmental sustainability. Investing in solar thermal technology is not merely an environmental imperative but also a strategic economic decision. Accelerating research and innovation in this field can unlock significant potential for clean energy generation, driving economic growth and job creation in the renewable energy sector. Moreover, the versatility of solar thermal systems, ranging from residential heating to industrial processes and large-scale power production, means they can be implemented across various contexts and scales, further enhancing their appeal and utility. However, the journey toward widespread adoption of solar thermal technology is fraught with challenges. Technical obstacles, such as improving the efficiency of heat collection and storage, reducing installation and maintenance costs, and integrating solar thermal systems into existing energy grids, must be addressed. Additionally, supportive policies, regulatory frameworks, and incentives are needed to encourage investments in solar thermal projects and facilitate their integration into the broader energy market. This Special Issue on “Solar Thermal Heat and Power Technology: Developments and Applications” seeks to tackle these challenges and opportunities. It aims to bring together the latest research, innovations, and practical applications in the field, showcasing the work of scientists, engineers, and professionals dedicated to advancing solar thermal technology. Topics of interest include technological innovations in materials and system design, integration of solar thermal systems into existing energy infrastructures, innovative applications in desalination, refrigeration, and beyond, economic, and environmental analyses of solar thermal projects, and discussions on policies and incentives that can support the growth of solar thermal energy. By highlighting recent advancements and the future potential of solar thermal technology, this Special Issue aims to inspire further research, development, and implementation efforts in this critical field. It serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the human spirit in the face of environmental challenges, offering a blueprint for a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous energy future. As we stand at the crossroads of energy and environmental policy, the contributions within this Special Issue underscore the critical role of solar thermal technology in shaping our collective future, guiding us toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world.

We are thrilled to announce the call for papers for our forthcoming special volume, “Solar Thermal Heat and Power Technology: Developments and Applications”. This edition is poised to delve into the cutting-edge advancements and pioneering applications within the realm of solar technology, particularly emphasizing the transformative solutions reshaping the energy landscape.

We cordially invite authors to submit original articles that span a diverse array of subjects, including but not limited to:

• Technological Innovations: New developments in materials, designs, and configurations of solar thermal systems that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and overcome existing limitations.
• Integration Analysis: Studies on how solar thermal technologies can be successfully integrated into existing energy systems, including urban heating networks, industrial processes, and power plants.
• Innovative Applications: Exploration of new application areas for solar thermal heat and power.
• Simulation and Modelling: Innovative approaches in modelling and simulation of solar thermal systems to optimize design and predict performance under various climatic and usage scenarios.
• Economic and Environmental Analysis: Life cycle and social assessments, cost analysis, and studies on the environmental impact of solar thermal technologies, highlighting their potential for greenhouse gas emission reduction and contribution to energy sustainability.
• Policy and Incentives: Discussions on policies, regulatory frameworks, and incentives that can promote or hinder the adoption of solar thermal technologies globally.

This special volume offers a unique platform for researchers to disseminate their findings and contribute to the foundational knowledge base in solar thermal technology. All submitted articles will be subject to a stringent peer-review process, ensuring that only high-quality research is featured and published.

We look forward to receiving your contributions and exploring together the future perspectives of solar thermal technology.

Prof. Dr. Maurizio De Lucia
Dr. Walter Gaggioli
Dr. Francesco Rovense
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• solar thermal technology
• concentrated solar thermal (CST)
• concentrated solar power (CSP)
• industrial solar process (SHIP)
• solar heating and cooling