From 22 to 24 October 2025, the DLR Institute of Solar Research hosted a comprehensive three-day training course for industry partners as part of the EU-funded SOLARIZE project. The event took place at the DLR sites in Cologne and Jülich, bringing together leading representatives from European research institutions and the solar thermal industry to strengthen cooperation and share expertise in Concentrated Solar Technologies (CST).

The training covered a wide range of topics crucial to the long-term performance and reliability of solar thermal systems, including:

• Airborne qualification and condition monitoring of heliostats using UAVs
• Condition monitoring of parabolic trough and solar tower systems
• Ageing and accelerated life testing of key CSP components such as receivers, mirrors, valves, sensors and heat transfer fluids
• Knowledge sharing and networking across the European CST community

As part of the hybrid workshop and expert panel discussion, Martin Scheuerer, Commercial Director at Protarget AG, joined distinguished experts including Dr.-Ing. Ahmet Lokurlu (Soliterm Group GmbH), Axel Schweitzer (sbp sonne), Eckhard Lüpfert and Dr. Marc Röger (both DLR Institute of Solar Research). The discussion focused on how advanced monitoring and diagnostic systems can significantly enhance the reliability, efficiency and service life of solar thermal power plants and thereby accelerate the commercialisation of CST technologies in Europe.

Collaborations like these are essential to bridge the gap between research and commercial implementation — driving innovation and accelerating the deployment of reliable, cost-effective and sustainable solar heat solutions across Europe.

We thank DLR and all partners for this inspiring exchange and look forward to continuing our collaboration in shaping the future of sustainable and reliable solar thermal energy across Europe.