More than 700,000 homes and buildings in the Netherlands have a heat pump. But what effect does this have on the electricity grid? Research by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) shows that fully electric heat pumps burden the electricity grid more than hybrid heat pumps, but less than solar panels or electric vehicles.
Significant Differences Between Fully Electric and Hybrid Heat Pumps
For the first time, research has been conducted on such a large scale regarding the effect of homes with heat pumps on the electricity grid. The research is based on smart meter data from more than 6,000 homes. One of the conclusions is that fully electric heat pumps cause higher peaks on the electricity grid than hybrid heat pumps. Fully electric heat pumps require more electricity and power because they do not rely on a boiler when it is very cold outside, whereas a hybrid heat pump can.
Heat Pumps Demand Less Power Simultaneously Than Thought
The effect of heat pumps on the grid does not only depend on the amount of power they require. Also important is the timing of their electricity demand and how many heat pumps do so simultaneously. The research shows that heat pumps demand less power simultaneously than previously thought. This also applies to fully electric heat pumps. Furthermore, there is still enough capacity on the electricity grid. This research provides grid operators with tools to respond to the electricity demand of fully electric heat pumps.
Loss Surface Best Predictor of Electricity Demand
The loss surface of a house is the most important predictor of the amount of electricity and power heat pumps need. This is also shown by the research. It is more important than the construction year or the floor area of the house. The loss surface is the total area of the house that has direct contact with the outside air. This causes the building to lose heat. The larger the loss surface, the more heat the house loses, and the more electricity the heat pump needs. Homes with a large loss surface using a heat pump therefore demand more from the electricity grid.
Valuable Information for Energy Transition
The results of the research provide important information for the energy transition (the shift from fossil to renewable energy). It is now clearer how much influence heat pumps have on the electricity grid. The research also shows the total electricity demand per home, including solar panels and electric vehicles.
With this information, grid operators can better estimate what is possible on the current electricity grid. They can also better plan investments in the grid. Furthermore, it helps policymakers, such as municipalities or housing corporations, to assess what is feasible in the field of energy transition.
About This Research
Research agency BDH conducted the research on behalf of RVO, which collaborated with Techniek Nederland and Netbeheer Nederland. Read all research results and conclusions in the report below.
- Ministry of Climate and Green Growth