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Ten-Year Network Development Plan 2017 Main Report |
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2.3 Demand Sector Specifics
2.3.1 HEATING SECTOR
In large parts of Europe, the current residential heating market is dominated by
gas. As a consequence, the gas demand in Europe shows a strong seasonal pat-
tern, with demand being substantially higher in the winter than in the summer.
This differs from the power demand profile, which is more constant throughout
the year (however this might differ from country to country). This is illustrated in
figure 2.16 below.
The high EU ambitions to reduce CO ² emissions might change the fuel choice for
residential heating. Several emerging and established alternative technologies could
facilitate the energy transition towards a more sustainable heat supply. However, in
order to maintain reliability and affordability, choosing the appropriate technology for
each situation is a key decision.
In areas where waste heat or geothermal heat is available, district heat networks can
represent an option to provide domestic heat, as long as the heat source is renewa-
ble or can be made renewable in the future. With such a district heat network, the
built environment is connected to a heat source (for example a power plant) via a
distribution grid of thermally insulated pipelines. The best conditions for this tech-
nology exist in urban areas where demand density is high and suitable sources are
in close proximity.
The use of heat pumps might be a good alternative to reduce emissions. Countries
with a high degree of heating supply via electricity (resistance heating) might benefit
from the use of electric heat pumps as it reduces energy demand. For modern, new
buildings with a high grade of insulation and relatively low heat demand, a full elec-
tric heat pump may be an appropriate solution in countries with mild climate. Build-
ings with lower grades of insulation are likely to have a substantial peak heat demand
during winter time. In case the electricity network is not already dimensioned for heat
0
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
GWh/d
Q1/2015
Q2/2015
Q3/2015
Q4/2015
Electricity demand
Gas demand
Figure 2.16:
Daily EU total gas and electricity demand 2015 (Data Source: ENTSOG, ENTSO-E)