1. Subsidies or cost-reflective energy tariffs? Alternative pathways for decarbonizing the residential sector and implications for cost efficiency.
- Author
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Aniello, Gianmarco, Bertsch, Valentin, Ball, Christopher, and Kuckshinrichs, Wilhelm
- Subjects
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ENERGY subsidies , *SOLAR heating , *SOLAR thermal energy , *CARBON emissions , *CARBON dioxide mitigation , *HEATING , *RESIDENTIAL heating systems , *ALTERNATIVE fuels , *HEAT pumps - Abstract
This study assesses alternative energy technologies (i.e., PV and battery systems, electric heat pumps, hybrid gas heating with solar thermal energy) in terms of profitability and CO 2 emissions, for the case of two simulated typical households living in detached houses in Germany. Under the status-quo regulatory framework, the energy transition in the heating sector is fostered through grants for replacing old heating systems, whereas PV generation is fostered by feed-in tariffs and indirect subsidies for self-consumption. This study considers an alternative regulatory scenario with a more market-oriented approach, finding that a CO 2 -oriented reform of energy surcharges and taxes, as well as a reform of network charges, can support a more cost-efficient energy transition in the residential sector. The paper concludes with a discussion of the consistency, cost efficiency and effectiveness of past and current policies underpinning the energy transition in the residential sector. • Assessment of home energy systems across 2 households and 2 regulatory scenarios. • Consideration of PV, batteries, heat pumps and hybrid gas-solar heating systems. • Comparison of subsidies and flat energy tariffs vs. cost-reflective, dynamic tariffs. • Market-oriented approach incentivizes far more cost-efficient CO 2 emission reduction. • The German residential energy sector needs a consistent regulatory framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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