This year’s conference is taking place in the United Arab Emirates and recognizes the leadership of the joint conference host, Masdar Institute, in the journey from fossil fuels to renewables.  

Since 1977, the IEA Solar Heating & Cooling Programme has conducted international collaborative research to expand the use of solar energy for buildings and industry. Our global network of 21 countries and 6 international organizations has completed more than 45 research and dissemination projects. The current 10 research projects include approximately 600 participants, of which more than 25% are from industry.  

With ISES and Masdar Institute, the IEA SHC Programme has strong partners for this year’s conference. And, SHC 2017 will once again serve as a platform to build understanding, collaboration and strong cooperation between research and industry. 

If you haven’t previously attended a SHC conference, then I hope that this will be your first. And, if you're a veteran SHC conference participant, you can be assured that this conference will meet all your expectations, and more I hope.

SHC 2017 is sure to inspire you as you participate in the conference sessions and discussions and learn firsthand about the developments in the Middle East.  It is the goal of SHC 2017 to have you leave ready to help deploy solar thermal technologies to become an increasingly significant contributor to a sustainable and renewable energy future.

Save the date for this exciting joint event with ISES SWC 2017.    Follow www.shc2017 to learn more about abstract deadlines, paper submittal procedures, and joint conference program details. 

I am looking forward to meeting you in Abu Dhabi.

Ken Guthrie