An estimated one-sixth of the world's total low-temperature heating and cooling needs are seen to be powered by solar energy by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency.

The agency says this would eliminate some 800 megatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, or more than Germany's total carbon dioxide emissions in 2009.

According to the findings presented in the "Solar Heating and Cooling Roadmap," solar energy could produce more than 16 percent of total energy used for heat and nearly 17% for cooling every year if governments and industry took "concerted action."

"Given that global energy demand for heat represents almost half of the world's final energy use – more than the combined global demand for electricity and transport – solar heat can make a significant contribution in both tackling climate change and strengthening energy security," said Paolo Frankl, Head of the IEA's Renewable Energy Division.

Some technologies, like domestic solar water heaters are already being used in some countries though others are still in its development phase.

Other applications include replacing electricity used for heating water, rooms, and buildings; for heating use in warm climate countries without gas infrastructure and lacking alternative heating fuels; and can reduce the burden on electric grids at times of peak cooling demand.

The roadmap also indicated some overlooked possible applications in several industry sectors. The demand for low- and medium-temperature heat in processes as washing, drying agricultural products, pasteurization and cooking is "significant," according to the agency.

"Those industrial processes offer enormous potential for solar heating technologies, which could supply up to 20% of total global industrial demand for low temperature heat by 2050," they said. "However, dedicated policy support is needed for these technologies to be used effectively."

The I.E.A. presented recommendations for some actions governments must take over the next decade: creating a stable, long-term policy framework for solar heating and cooling; introducing economic incentives; and addressing barriers such as a lack of quality-control standards.

Funding and support for research, development and demonstration of such technology from the government were also recommended, and aid organizations using the technology in their efforts should expand efforts to speed up the deployment. – N.P. Arboleda