HOW TO SUPPORT SOLAR THERMAL MARKET THROUGH INNOVATIVE POLICY GUIDELINES IN SICA COUNTRIES?

SICA (Central America Integration System) countries are rich in solar energy resources for applications beyond electricity generation, such as cooling and heating. However, the development of this sector has been strongly limited due to the lack of adequate energy policies. In this regard, the objective of the present research is to outline a political framework and the establishment of innovative partnerships for wider deployment of heating and cooling technologies in the region. This is mainly based on the scope of the SICA Centre for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency (SICREEE) to support the development of the region by the introduction of clean energy technology. Therefore, a mixed-method approach will be applied by conduction of interviews and workshops and the review of the literature. The findings will be useful for the region and decision-makers to go from policy to action.