Electrification of the heating sector in Europe

Objective

Compile information on the phase out of fossil fuels for heating, and the resulting electrification of the heating sector in Europe, including present status and future plans/timetables.

Background

EU and its member countries have signed the Paris Agreement, and thereby agreed to be carbon neutral in about 25 years. A large share of the fossil fuels used today are used for heating of buildings. If we are to phase out fossil fuels, heating must in the future be based primarily on energy from renewables and nuclear. These energy sources produce energy in the form of electricity. We are therefore moving towards an energy system which is almost entirely based on electricity as the energy carrier. For buildings, this means using heat pumps or direct electric heating. Europe has already made plans for this transition, with some countries having plans for a very rapid ramp-up of the production of heat pumps. However, the political decisions taken to fulfill the Paris agreement have met resistance from parts of the society.

Expected Outcome/Deliverables

The thesis is expected to be a compilation of the status of the electrification of the heating sector in Europe. It could also focus more in detail in a few countries. The report could contain information on the (recent) historical development of the heating sector, including data such as energy source, length of heating season, extreme winter temperatures, state of the building stock (energy use). It should also include information on national targets for decarbonization and specific measures/decisions taken to reach these targets. It could also include a presentation of the political discussions, in the parliaments and in the media, related to the decarbonization of the energy system.

Learning Outcomes

• Deeper knowledge of the decarbonization in general and of the heating sector in particular

• Knowledge of the challenges facing society related to decarbonization

Methodology

Literature review including:

• Scientific articles

• Public media

• Reports for/from EU and national authorities

• Reports from NGOs

• Reports from trade associations etc.

• Interviews

Prerequisites

No special prerequisites besides the number of credits required to be allowed to start the M.Sc. work.

Duration

5 months

Supervisor/Contact person/Examiner