Volume 29: Closing Carbon Cycles – A Transformation Process Involving Technology, Economy, and Society: Part IV

Comparing energy technologies across alternative regulatory scenarios: profitability, promotion schemes and the potential for a cost-efficient decarbonization of the German residential sector Aniello G., Ball C., Bertsch V., Kuckshinrichs W., Shamon H.

Abstract

We assess alternative energy technologies for German single-family houses (i.e., hybrid gas heating with solar thermal energy, electric heat pumps, PV and BES systems) in terms of profitability and CO2 emissions. Under the status-quo regulatory framework, the energy transition in the heating sector is fostered through grants for replacing old heating systems, whereas PV generation is fostered by feed-in tariffs and indirect subsidies for self-consumption. We consider alternative regulatory scenarios with a more market-oriented approach, finding that a CO2-oriented reform of energy surcharges and taxes, as well as a reform of network charges, can support a more cost-efficient energy transition in the residential sector.

Keywords heat pump, solar thermal energy, PV, regulatory framework, heating sector