Solar Heating and Cooling
The solar heating and cooling (SHC) roadmap outlines a pathway for solar energy to
supply almost one sixth (18 EJ) of the world’s total energy use for both heating and
cooling by 2050. This would save some 800 megatonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
per year; more than the total CO2 emissions in Germany in 2009. While solar heating
and cooling today makes a modest contribution to world energy demand, the roadmap
envisages that if concerted action is taken by governments and industry, solar energy
could annually produce more than 16% of total final energy use for low temperature
heat and nearly 17% for cooling. Given that global energy demand for heat represents
almost half of the world’s final energy use – more than the combined global demand
for electricity and transport – solar heat can make a significant contribution in
both tackling climate change and strengthening energy security.
Published on August 10, 2012
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