Hybrid heat pumps as a transition technology towards a carbon neutral residential sector in the Netherlands
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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Sähkötekniikan korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
Authors
Date
2022-06-13
Department
Major/Subject
Sustainable Energy Systems and Markets
Mcode
ELEC3048
Degree programme
Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions
Language
en
Pages
99
Series
Abstract
The Netherlands faces an enormous challenge to reduce emissions in the existing building stock to reach the climate targets. Hybrid heat pumps are one of the measures that could reduce emissions resulting from heating in houses. This study aims to explore what the role of hybrid heat pumps can be in reaching the 2030 climate goals. Specifically, it investigates for how many houses a hybrid heat pump would be financially feasible and how emissions would be reduced if these houses would be equipped with a hybrid heat pump. To explore the potential of hybrid heat pumps, a model was created based on datasets containing data about house characteristics and energy consumption. With this data model the feasibility for hybrid heat pumps was determined for the household level. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out to define which factors have the largest influence on the potential. The results show that in the baseline scenario almost half of the Dutch houses with a natural gas grid connection would be feasible for a hybrid heat pump. However, even if all these houses would be equipped with a hybrid heat pump, the emissions reduction would be insufficient to reach the 2030 climate goals. From the results it can further be deduced that the natural gas and electricity prices are the most important factors that determine the feasibility of hybrid heat pumps. Besides, without subsidy or significant decrease in costs of hybrid heat pumps, the potential for hybrid heat pumps is substantially lower. In the end it can be concluded that hybrid heat pumps can play an important role in reaching the climate goals of 2030. However, it is unlikely that the goals can be reached with hybrid heat pumps only, as 4.9 million houses and over 16 billion euros in subsidization would be required.Description
Supervisor
Millar, JohnThesis advisor
Hommelberg, MaartenKeywords
hybrid heat pump, energy transition, built environment, natural gas, emissions reduction