ICaRE4Farms: a European project to encourage the use of solar thermal energy on farms in North-West Europe
The ICaRE4Farms project, co-funded by the Interreg North West Europe (ERDF) program, aims to boost the use of solar thermal energy on farms in North West Europe in order to reduce CO 2 emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in the energy balance of farms .
On March 12 and 13, 2020, the consortium gathered in Lille in order to be able to set up this 3-year project. The interactions were fruitful and gave rise to the emergence of new ideas on the implementation of the project, the sharing of essential information as well as the creation of cohesion and a bond of trust between the partners. , elements that will ensure the success of the project.
The project launch meeting began with a visit to two farms in the north of France using the Eco-Thermo Fengtech "ETF" thermal energy systems (from the French company Fengtech) for heating the water intended in the preparation of animal feed. The visits enabled the project partners (8 partners from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands and France) to better understand the functioning of ETFs and to be able to share with the direct beneficiaries of these systems : farmers.
The Pays de la Loire Chamber of Agriculture is a partner in this project alongside the AC3A, and will support the establishment of a pilot site in a calf farm in the Sarthe.
