European Commission highlights solar thermal as a strategic European technology in list of immediate actions to address the crisis in the Middle East

2026-04-24

For many years, the European solar thermal industry has struggled for recognition of its role in the energy transition. Just recently, in April 22, 2026, the European Commission highlights solar thermal as a key domestic solution to strengthen Europe’s energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Commission emphasizes the importance of rapidly deploying large-scale solar thermal for industry and district heating to replace imported energy.

More clearly than ever, in its press release of April 22, 2026, the European Commission stresses the need to accelerate the transition to European, clean, and accessible energy to strengthen competitiveness, energy security, and resilience. Under the heading “Immediate action to produce lasting benefits”, solar thermal is highlighted as a solution that replaces imported fossil fuels with locally produced energy.

For Absolicon, which develops and delivers concentrated solar thermal solutions for industry and district heating, this represents a long-awaited political recognition of solar thermal’s role in Europe’s energy system.

– The message from the European Commission is very clear: the future energy system must be built on local, clean energy sources. Solar thermal is exactly that – it’s produced where it is used, reduces dependence on imports, and delivers stable heat to industries and entire cities, says Joakim Byström, CEO of Absolicon.

The European Commission outlines concrete measures to support Member States. Under the heading “Immediate action from the Commission to support Member States”, solar thermal is one of six prioritized activities. Starting in May 2026, the Commission will assist Member States in developing public support programs for large-scale solar thermal projects.

Reduced imports – strengthened industrial competitiveness

The backdrop is a Europe where more than half of energy is still imported as fossil fuels, creating vulnerability to price volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. The Commission highlights that investments in local energy production are not only a climate issue, but also a matter of economic stability and industrial competitiveness.

– Every installed solar thermal plant reduces the need for imported gas or oil. Customers gain increased profitability, and Europe achieves a more secure energy supply, says Joakim Byström.

Among the industrial sectors highlighted are food and beverage, which is Absolicon’s focus area in its expansion in the Spanish market.

Strong potential for solar district heating

The EU also highlights district heating systems as a central part of the future energy infrastructure, where solar thermal can reduce fossil dependency quickly and cost-effectively.

Absolicon’s solar collectors, producing heat up to 160°C, are particularly well suited for this. Large-scale solar thermal systems and seasonal heat storage, storing energy from summer to winter, can be integrated into existing district heating networks and rapidly provide stable, emission-free heat production.

Absolicon ready to scale up

With increased political incentives and a clear focus on “home-grown solutions”, Absolicon sees strong opportunities to accelerate the deployment of solar thermal in Europe.

– Finally, we see the EU taking a direction that creates the right conditions for rapid scaling of solar thermal. We have the solutions for both the climate and Europe’s energy security, says Joakim Byström.