Renewable Energy :: Solar Innovations and Investments

Supporting Organisations

The REA was established in 2001 to represent British renewable energy producers and promote the use of sustainable energy in the UK. From 40 founder members, the REA has now expanded to over 500 companies, active across the whole spectrum of renewables; electric power, heat and
transport fuels. Coverage We represent a wide variety of organisations, including generators, project developers, fuels and power suppliers, equipment manufacturers and service providers. Members range in size from major multinationals to sole traders. Over the last two years a number of smaller renewable energy trade associations have joined forces with us, including PV-UK, the British Pellet Club, the British Association of Biofuels and Oils and British Biogen.

Our main objective is to secure the best legislative and regulatory framework for expanding renewable energy production in the UK. We undertake policy development and provide input to Government departments, agencies, NGOs and others.

With over 600 member companies, Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e.V. (German Solar Industry Association) is the lobby group of the German solar energy industry. Forming a strong community of companies, BSW-Solar acts as an informant and intermediary between the business, political and public sectors. It represents the common commercial interests of businesses across the solar energy value chain.

BSW-Solar exerts decisive influence on creating and securing a suitable policy framework for stable growth, and thus on ensuring investment security throughout the entire industry. The objective is to establish solar energy as a firm pillar of the energy industry worldwide.

Member companies benefit from the association’s work at different levels. BSW-Solar lobbies for an increasing use of solar energy at a national and international level. Intense PR, media relations and national awareness raising campaigns have contributed to create a positive image of solar energy in Germany. By organising high ranking conferences and active participation at international events BSW-Solar enables knowledge transfer within the industry. Market and policy information as well as analysis distributed by internal news bulletins, workshops and seminars provide its members with first-hand information and prepare these for the future.

The International energy Agency's Solar Heating and Cooling Programme was established in 1977. The members governments work collaboratively to advance active solar and passive solar and their application in buildings and other areas, such as agriculture and industry. Current members are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Commission, Germany, Finland, France, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA

A total of 39 projects (Tasks) have been initiated, 30 of which have been completed. Each Task is managed by an Operating Agent from one of the participating countries. Overall control of the program rests with an Executive Committee comprised of one representative from each contracting party to the Implementing Agreement. In addition to the Task work, the Programme is undertaking various special activities—Memorandum of Understanding with solar thermal trade organizations, co-organizer of EuroSun 2008: 1st Solar Heating and Cooling International Conference, statistics collection and analysis, conferences and workshops.

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is a business facilitator in Europe, removing trade barriers for European industry and consumers. Its mission is to foster the European economy in global trading, the welfare of European citizens and the environment. Through its services it provides a platform for the development of European Standards and other technical specifications.

CEN’s 30 National Members work together to develop voluntary European Standards (ENs) in various sectors to build a European Internal Market for goods and services and to position Europe in the global economy. About 70.000 technical experts as well as business federations, consumer and other societal interest organizations are involved in the CEN network that reaches over 460 million people.

CEN has been involved since 1993 in the development of European Standards in the thermal solar sector through the activities of the CEN Technical Committee 312 dealing with Thermal solar systems and components. CEN also developed a specific certification mark (from the CEN Keymark) for solar thermal products that will assist users to select quality solar collectors and systems. This "Solar Keymark" is the result of a voluntary certification scheme supported by the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation and developed with support from the European Commission.

For further information please visit: www.cen.eu

UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that helps UK based companies succeed in international markets. We assist overseas companies to bring high quality investment to the UK’s vibrant economy. For more information visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk.

http://www.wcre.org/

http://www.solarcity.org/