Abstract
Several studies show that heat pumps need to play a major role for space heating and hot water supply in highly decarbonised energy systems. The degree of elasticity of this additional electricity demand can have a significant impact on the electricity system. This paper investigates the effect of decentral heat pump flexibilisation through thermal energy storage units on electricity storage investment. The analysis is carried using an open source model for the German electricity system based on the Open Energy Modelling Framework (oemof). Results highlight the importance of flexible heat pump operation in 100% renewable energy systems and relate well to findings of other existing studies. Flexibilisation of heat pumps in the German energy system can reduce the need for electricity storage units significantly. While no impact was found for systems with a share below 80% renewable energy, investment in short term storage units is reduced by up to 42–62% in systems with shares of more than 80% renewable energy. In contrast, the impact on long term electricity storage investment was comparatively low in all modelled scenarios. Conducted sensitivity analyses show that both findings are rather insensitive with regard to the available biomass for electricity supply as well as to changes in the heat demand covered by heat pumps. Economically flexible heat pump operation has only a minor effect on system costs. However, the indirect replacement of battery with thermal energy storage units is environmentally beneficial due a lower resource consumption of minerals.
Highlights
The goal of the 2015 Paris agreement [1] is to keep global warming well below two degrees compared to pre-industrial levels
The interaction between electricity system and heat pump operation can already be identified in this figure
For the 2030 scenario with low heat demand covered by heat pumps and a lower share of renewable energy no investment in thermal energy storage (TES) is chosen
Summary
The goal of the 2015 Paris agreement [1] is to keep global warming well below two degrees compared to pre-industrial levels. Change (IPCC) [2] reaffirmed the importance of this goal by analysing pathways for a warming of 1.5°. Due to the remaining carbon budget, a drastic decarbonisation up 100% of all sectors until 2050 with even negative emissions after the year 2050 will be required to reach the 1.5° goal. In the electricity sector emissions are mainly reduced through a shift from fossil fuel based to renewable energy based supply. Reducing energy consumption in the heating sector by insulating measures is on the top of the agenda. A residual heat demand will have to be covered by renewable energies
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