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The role of energy efficiency in decarbonising heat via electrification

Panel: 5A. Cutting the energy use of buildings: Projects and technologies

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Luis Munuera, Imperial College of Science and Technology, United Kingdom
Adam Hawkes, Imperial College, United Kingdom
Nick Kelly, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom
Jaryn Bradford, Energy Savings Trust

Abstract

Decarbonisation of heating is one of the greatest challenges for climate change mitigation. One solution frequently put forward is decarbonisation via electrification, where electric heating dominates the market, whilst the power sector is simultaneously decarbonised. This solution featured in recent prominent studies (ECF 2010, UKERC 2009). We argue that these studies do not incorporate sufficient granularity to appreciate the full system impact of heat technology, specifically the T&D and generation capacity related costs of electrification, nor the ability to shift/reduce load or co-ordinate with renewable power.

This study seeks to inform future research by dissecting the dynamics of heat pump power consumption. We focus on the interaction between the energy efficiency of dwellings, the ability to delay/shift heat demand, and how these impact after-diversity peak load - the single most influential factor with respect to the need for upstream assets (Hawkes 2011). This is achieved by drawing on 3 key field trial datasets (CT Micro-CHP Field Trial, SSE Field Trial of Air-Source Heat Pumps and the EST Heat Pump Field Trial).

Empirical data is contrasted with an existing load-shifting model (Hong 2011) under different energy efficiency scenarios to better understand the flexibility available. The combined analysis demonstrates the crucial role that energy efficiency will play in heat decarbonisation, a role that has been gravely underestimated in the studies that drive EU energy policy. The analysis provides foundation for more robust studies of the role of energy efficiency and electrification in the decarbonisation of heat.

ECF (2010) Roadmap 2050. The European Climate Foundation

UKERC (2009) Pathways to a Low-Carbon Economy. UK Energy Research Centre

Hawkes, Munuera, Strbac (2011) Residential Low Carbon Heating. Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Imperial College

Hong (2011) Assessing heat pumps as flexible load. The Journal of Power and Energy, In Press

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