engleski

Analysis of the potential for Power-to- Heat/Cool applications to increase flexibility in the European electricity system until 2030

The objective of this report is to assess the potential contribution of Power-to-Heat/Cool applications (PtH/C) to the flexibility in the European electricity system until 2030. The heating and cooling sector accounts for the majority of final energy consumption in the European Union and therefore will play a central role in achieving policy goals concerning climate change mitigations. Electrification of the heating and cooling sector may be an appropriate pathway for decarbonisation of this sector, while at the same time proving additional flexibility to the electricity system. This report first gives a general overview over the energy sector and in particular over the heating and cooling sector in Europe. Different PtH/C applications with their techno-economic characteristic are described and compared with other flexibility options. The following potential analysis is based on two approaches. The first approach for determining the PtH/C potential is based on a literature review for Europe and some selected EU member states. The second approach is an own quantitative estimation for the selected member states. Afterwards, the regulatory framework in place, that can support or hinder PtH/C, is described. The report ends with conclusions and policy recommendations. The analysis is based on historical and forecasted data for final energy consumption in the heating and cooling sector shows that the highest theoretical potential for PtH lies in replacing conventional energy carriers for space and process heating. The theoretical potential for PtC is much smaller compared to PtH, due to the smaller share of cooling in final energy consumption. There are different technologies for converting electricity to heat or cool. In general, the PtH/C applications can be differentiated into large and small scale applications. By adding a thermal energy storage (TES) to the PtH/C system, additional flexibility can be provided to the system. Comparing PtH/C to other flexibility options like demand side management, electricity storages, power to Gas (PtG) and flexibility options on the supply side, it can be stated that PtH/C technologies have a high level of maturity. The technology can be easily implemented and is generally cost competitive compared to other flexibility options. The literature review on the European potential for PtH/C reveals a wide range of the potentials. In general, it seems that the potential for electricity load reduction is far smaller than for a load increase. The potential for PtH/C varies significantly across European member states. Therefore, the literature review is extended for some selected European countries. The quantitative approach is based on hourly load profiles for electricity and heat. On the one hand, the PtH potential through thermal energy storages in district heating networks is assed. On the other hand, the potential that might arise due to the use of excess electricity, that otherwise would have been curtailed, is calculated. The total calculated potentials in district heating for Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, France and Italy are varying due to the inhomogeneous nature of the European energy system and different weather conditions. In the European Union, there is no direct or specific legislative regulation addressing the heating and cooling sector, however, it is addressed in several Directives. Thermal energy storages used for heating and cooling (H/C) should be recognised as sources of both, flexibility and efficiency in the system. Electric boilers and heat pumps could also be recognised as new modes of flexibility in the system at times of excess electricity generation. Exemptions from fees and taxes or adapted grid usage fees can be considered as a way to promote the market penetration of PtH/C.

Power to Heat ; flexibility ; business models ; EU

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