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Abstract: This paper develops previous research on space heating in passive houses (PH). The results reported are based on a complex theoretical model used to simulate the heating system operation in Pirmasens PH (Rhineland Palatinate, Germany). The economic feasibility of different active space heating systems based on ground thermal energy utilization was studied. Both the heating and cooling potentials of the system under real climatic conditions were investigated. On medium- and long-time operation (i.e. longer than 3–10 years), a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) configuration proves to be the best economical solution. The configuration based on a ground heat exchanger is also a better solution than conventional heating in case the operation time is longer than 20–30 years. As compared to the GSHP configuration, it has the advantage of a much lower investment cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]