Hot stuff: Research and policy principles for heat decarbonisation through smart electrification

Abstract

There is a need for major greenhouse gas emission reductions from heating in order to meet global decarbonisation goals. Electricity is expected to meet much of the heat demand currently provided by fossil fuels in the future and heat pumps may have an important role. This electrification transformation is not without challenges. Through a detailed narrative review alongside expert elicitation, we propose four principles for heat decarbonisation via electrification: putting energy efficiency first, valuing heat as a flexible load, understanding the emission impacts of heat electrification and designing electricity tariffs to reward flexibility. As a route to heat decarbonisation, when combined, these principles can offer significant consumer and carbon reduction benefits. In the short term these principles can encourage the smooth integration of heat electrification and in the longer term these principles are expected to reduce the scale of required infrastructural expansion. We propose a number of policy mechanisms which can be used to support these principles including (building) regulation, financial support, carbon standards, energy efficiency obligations and pricing.

Heating up the global heat pump market

“…2 ). When the electricity used to drive the electric compressor is produced from low-carbon sources, nearly all of the useful heat provided becomes low or even zero carbon [1][2][3][4] .…”

Data-driven predictive control with improved performance using segmented trajectories

“…Modern energy systems require more flexibility to handle the combined influences of increased renewable generation and increased electrification of heating and transport. Making use of buildings as active, flexible components in such an energy landscape is a key requirement in global decarbonisation efforts [24]. Despite the pressing need for advanced control technologies, the underlying model complexity of a building and the wide variation in building designs has led to the model development process acting as a significant barrier to technology uptake [25].…”

System Dynamics Modeling for the Transition Trom Traditional Historic Urban Block to a Positive Energy Block

“…In the context of positive energy blocks, scientific articles explore issues such as the scenarios of district heating extension [7] and decarbonization of heating systems using electrification [8]- [10] and bioenergy technologies [11], solar district heating [12], simulation tools of building stock decarbonization [13]- [15], economic and environmental trade-offs [16], and carbon pricing [17]. Particular urgency is given to the balancing of energy supply and demand with coupling buildings and electric vehicles [18].…”