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Direct Electric Heating (Industry)
Aluminum is melting in a tub oven, with oxide layers, by Hans Chr. Riedelbauch, via Wikimedia Commons
Contents
- Impact
- Definition
- Constraints
- Assumptions
- References
IMPACT – What are the impacts of Direct Electric Heating?
Energy system
Increase primary energy demand.
Increase total electricity consumption.
May increase total fossil fuel consumption if gas fired power plants are added to the grid.
May decrease the share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix.
Likely to raise pressure on the grid by increasing peak electricity demand.
Environment & Climate
Likely to increase global CO2 emissions.
Avoid emissions of combustion pollutants at the place of use (built area), but not necessarily where the electricity is generated.
Society & Economy
Unclear impact on the cost of the energy transition: low cost of heating systems may be outweighed by need for additional grid and power plant capacity.
May worsen balance of payments by increasing fossil imports.
DEFINITION / CONSTRAINTS
DEFINITION - What is Direct Electric Heating?
Direct electric heating is the use of resistive elements that convert electricity into heat. This can be in radiators or in under-floor heating.
In 2010, 25 % of the heat supply to the industry was provided by direct electric heating.[1]
CONSTRAINTS - What are the key barriers facing Decentralised Cogeneration deployment?
The primary constraint on the deployment of direct electric heating is a matter of efficiency of energy use, as with the same amount of energy input it is possible to provide more heat with a heat pump or other energy sources.