Renewable energy still only represents 17% of the EU’s energy consumption, ICaRE4Farms boost the use of solar thermal energy (STE) in farming in NWE to heat water (which represents 40% of energy consumed).
Watch this video about the project.
I4F will test next generation STE systems, a patented, reliable and affordable technology. Through this partnership, ICaRE4farms will set up ETF (EcoThermo Fengtech), in 4 agricultural sectors that require hot water to feed livestock (calves) and heat farm buildings (poultry, pigs) and greenhouses (horticulture).
The project focuses on:
Installation and monitoring of 4 pilot sites, in France, UK, Belgium and The Netherlands. Creation of an ICaRE4Farms community, setting up information actions and spreading information at conferences and political events. Organising visits to the pilot sites, training actions to use and maintain the STE systems. Production of reports and academic articles on project results, a market study on STE systems. Developing feasibility models and monitoring and analysis systems. In 5 years, the project will inspire the setting up of 321 STE systems in NEW (27kt of CO2 saved). After 10 years there will be 921 systems (92kt CO2 saved).
Follow the progress of the pilot site in France here.
Watch a video which explains how the solar thermal energy system works here.
ICaRE4Farms is funded (60%) by INTERREG North West Europe.