2011-02-07

Call for interest: Proposal for a new field of technical activity on Solar Thermal Electric Plants

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is seeking feedback on the development of a new field of technical activity on Solar Thermal Electric Planst submitted by the Spanish National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Energy is one of the key issues which policy maker’s are focusing on today. Renewable energies are seen as alternative and sustainable solutions for the future with solar technologies showing the greatest potential. There is a growing trend globally for the operation and construction of solar thermal electric plants which generate overall power close to 3 000 MW. However, there is a need for standardization in the field of Solar Thermal Electric Plants for specific components and functionalities as well as the definition of performances and testing methods.

Scope of the Proposed IEC Standard:

The proposed new field of technical activity is expected to develop international standards in the field of Solar Thermal Electric Plants at system and component levels, including measurement standards for performance tests with a focus in the following areas:

• Terminology;
• Technical specifications
• Dimensions and tolerances,
• Test methods (what, where, when and how) in order to identify the performance at different levels

As the official Canadian member of the IEC, the Standards Council of Canada is seeking feedback on IEC’s proposal from Canadian stakeholders. All responses submitted to SCC will be considered to generate a Canadian position and comments on this proposal. Stakeholders are invited to consider the following when formulating a response:

1. Is the proposed scope relevant and does it use appropriate terminology, or is the scope too broad or too specific?
2. Could the development of this proposed standard impact your sector negatively or positively and why?
3. Will the development of this proposed standard benefit your sector or will it pose challenges?
4. If this field of technical activity is regulated, will the proposed development of this standard complement it or not?

The deadline for submission is March 15, 2011.

For more information or to seek clarification, please contact Darryl Kingston, Senior Program Officer, via email at [email protected] or by telephone +1 613 238 3222 ext. 445.

The Standards Council of Canada is a federal Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective standardization in Canada with the goal of enhancing Canada’s economic competitiveness and social well-being. SCC is Canada’s representative to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and is responsible for coordinating Canadian participation in the development of international standards. It also accredits standards development and conformity assessment organizations. For more information on SCC’s programs visit www.scc.ca or email [email protected].