Paper No 151 – Electrification of heat and decarbonisation of the electricity system: Sector coupling is creating opportunities for heat pumps – 13th IEA Heat Pump Conference, Jeju, Korea
As the electricity sector decarbonises, the need for energy system flexibility is rising – and electric heating and cooling have a role to play in providing this flexibility. The flexible operation of residential electric heating and cooling products – including heat pumps – is beginning to move from trial stage to commercial reality in some European markets, potentially creating value for customers, networks and energy suppliers. Where are the opportunities today, how will these change in the future, and how can the heat pump industry be part of a future world of flexible energy? The authors present their latest research into the emerging opportunities and business models for heat pumps arising from ‘sector coupling’, home energy management, and demand-side response.