SOLARPACES CONFERENCE 2026

SOLARPACES Conference 2026: Powering the Future with Concentrated Solar Power

Mark your calendars for September 15-18, 2026, as the 28th International Conference on Concentrated Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems (SOLARPACES) returns to the vibrant town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany. This premier global event, hosted by the renowned German Aerospace Center (DLR), promises to be the definitive gathering for researchers, engineers, industry leaders, policymakers, and financiers driving innovation in concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) and solar fuels.

Why Attend?
SOLARPACES 2026 addresses the critical challenge of decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like industry and heavy transport. It focuses on scaling up CSP technologies – from traditional tower and parabolic trough systems to cutting-edge dish/engine and linear Fresnel configurations – and integrating them with advanced thermal energy storage (TES) for reliable, dispatchable renewable power. Crucially, the conference will delve into the rapidly evolving field of solar thermochemical processes, harnessing concentrated solar heat to produce green hydrogen, synthetic fuels (e-fuels), and other essential chemicals, enabling deep decarbonization pathways.

Core Themes & Content
The conference program will feature a rich tapestry of content across parallel sessions, keynotes, and interactive forums. Expect deep dives into:

1. Technology Innovation: Breakthroughs in high-temperature receivers, advanced TES materials (molten salts, solids, thermochemical), next-generation heliostats and collectors, and hybridization with PV.
2. System Integration & Operation: Smart plant design, advanced control strategies, grid integration of CSP with high renewables penetration, and enhancing dispatchability and flexibility.
3. Solar Fuels & Chemicals: Progress in solar hydrogen production (electrolysis, thermochemical cycles), CO2 utilization, methanol synthesis, ammonia production, and other solar-driven chemical processes.
4. Cost Reduction & Market Deployment: Strategies to achieve competitive LCOE, supply chain development, financing models, and policy frameworks supporting large-scale CSP and solar fuels deployment.
5. Applications & Markets: Focus on industrial process heat, desalination, district heating, and the growing global market potential, especially in regions with high solar resource and energy demand.

Who Should Be There?
SOLARPACES 2026 is essential for anyone involved in the solar thermal value chain:
Researchers & Academics: Presenting cutting-edge science and engineering.
Engineers & Technologists: Showcasing innovative components and system designs.
Industry Executives & Developers: Exploring market opportunities, partnerships, and scaling projects.
Policymakers & Regulators: Shaping supportive frameworks and standards.
Investors & Financiers: Identifying promising technologies and viable business models.
End-Users: Seeking reliable renewable heat and power solutions.

Beyond the Sessions
Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler offers an ideal setting for networking and collaboration. The conference will feature extensive poster sessions, dedicated technology workshops, an exhibition showcasing leading companies and research institutions, and numerous social events. Attendees will gain invaluable insights, forge new partnerships, and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy.

Plan your participation now for SOLARPACES 2026. This is the premier platform to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral energy future using the immense power of the sun. For more details and updates, visit the official conference website as they become available.