The decarbonisation of the district heating sector presents a unique challenge in the energy transition, with only 43% of the 17,000 district heating systems in Europe currently utilizing renewable and waste heat sources. However, a new player in the game, power-to-heat technology, has emerged to showcase how renewable energy can be effectively harnessed for heating purposes. The latest report from the Polish Association of Professional Combined Heat and Power Plants suggests that power-to-heat technology could be the key to decarbonising district heating systems in Poland, signaling a potential shift in the sector.
So, what exactly is power-to-heat? In essence, power-to-heat technology involves the conversion of electricity generated from renewable sources into efficient heating or cooling. This encompasses a range of technologies such as heat pumps and electrode boilers, which have proven to be highly effective in harnessing renewable energy for heating purposes.
Heat pumps, for instance, use electricity to extract heat from the ground, water, or air, and then utilize it to run heating systems. With efficiency rates of up to 250-500%, heat pumps offer a mature and reliable solution for generating low-temperature heat in district heating systems. On the other hand, electrode boilers directly convert renewable energy into heat, providing a stable peak heat source without any emissions of greenhouse gases or other pollutants.
The integration of power-to-heat technologies into the district heating sector offers a promising pathway towards increasing the share of renewable energy. By utilizing renewable electricity for heating, power-to-heat technologies not only reduce CO2 emissions but also contribute to the stabilization of grid systems by balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy generation.
Moreover, these technologies are also seen as a potential solution to address curtailment issues in renewable energy generation. In Poland alone, curtailments of renewable generation have reached significant levels, resulting in the loss of substantial renewable energy. Power-to-heat, particularly through electrode boilers and heat storage, presents an opportunity to reduce curtailments and maximize the utilization of clean energy.
Furthermore, power-to-heat technologies can play a significant role in supporting the implementation of targets such as Fit for 55, which aims to drive the decarbonisation of district heating systems in Poland cost-effectively. By enabling their transformation in alignment with the criteria of efficient district heating systems, power-to-heat technologies could pave the way for achieving climate neutrality in heating systems and promoting the use of zero-emission buildings.
While these technologies are not yet widely prevalent, there are several notable examples of large-scale applications of power-to-heat technologies across the European Union. From Poland to Finland, various projects have demonstrated the feasibility and impact of power-to-heat solutions in decarbonising district heating systems.
As we look towards the future, it is imperative to recognize and support the development of power-to-heat technologies. Financial support mechanisms and funding from both EU and national sources will be crucial for implementing these transformative technologies and driving the evolution of district heating systems towards sustainability.
In conclusion, power-to-heat technology represents a promising opportunity to revolutionize the district heating sector and accelerate the transition towards renewable energy. With its potential to mitigate CO2 emissions, reduce curtailments in renewable energy, and support the implementation of climate targets, power-to-heat stands as a beacon of hope in the journey towards a sustainable energy future.