Solar Thermal Energy for Industrial Processes: Insights from Cuenca, Ecuador

This study assesses the awareness and acceptance of solar thermal energy (STE) for industrial process heat among industry, local government, and academia in Ecuador, with emphasis on Cuenca City. The study was supported by surveys conducted with seven industrial facilities, six municipal governments, fifteen universities offering academic programs related to renewable energy, and six solar thermal technology providers in the country. Results show that, despite the country's interest and enormous potential for STE, limited awareness, the lack of regulatory frameworks, and the absence of financial incentives remain the main barriers to its adoption. Industries recognize STE's potential to reduce fossil-fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, but they identify high investment costs and limited spaces for installing these systems as key constraints. Municipal governments report no existing local legislation to promote STE, while academia shows a limited focus on STE for industrial applications. Technology providers highlight low market demand due to the persistence of subsidized fossil fuels for sanitary use and cooking in Ecuador. To address these challenges, coordinated actions are required, including integrating STE into national energy strategies, implementing fiscal and economic incentives, and developing technical standards. Demonstration projects, capacitybuilding initiatives, and collaboration among academia, industry, and local governments are also essential. These measures would help reduce investment risks, enhance institutional capacity, and promote the large-scale deployment of STE within Ecuador’s industrial energy transition