ENTSOG TYNDP 2017 - Main Report

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.

25,000 GWh/d

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

Q1/2015

Q2/2015

Q3/2015

Q4/2015

Gas demand

Electricity demand

Figure 2.16: Daily EU total gas and electricity demand 2015 (Data Source: ENTSOG, ENTSO-E)

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

Ten-Year Network Development Plan 2017 Main Report | 59