One of the main activities of ESTELA and its members is to collaborate with EU Institutions to develop solar thermal electricity and its industry in Europe and abroad.

Another core activity in close collaboration with the academia is to produce and co-ordinate studies on scientific, technical, economic, legal or policy issues to further develop solar thermal electricity technologies.

Finally, ESTELA considers of paramount importance to raise awareness by disseminating information about solar thermal electricity and the European Association through means of organising meetings, workshops, conferences and other events to promote solar thermal electricity.