Expanding power generation to support electric heating
The transition from natural gas to electric heating will necessitate increased power generation capacity and enhanced grid connections.
Electric heating will significantly boost power demand, particularly in colder regions. At the same time, areas with high temperatures already rely heavily on electricity for air conditioning, further straining power plant output.
To mitigate this increased demand, households and businesses can install solar panels on rooftops or heat pumps in gardens, reducing reliance on the electrical grid. However, the return on investment for such installations may take several years to materialize.
Challenges include:
-Solar panels generate peak electricity around noon, which doesn’t align with the peak consumption times in the late afternoon and evening.
-Smart meters, which enable the sale of excess electricity back to the grid, are necessary but depend on approval from the power distribution company.
-Renters are unlikely to invest in solar panels on properties they do not own.
-Apartment owners will need to coordinate shared installations on common rooftops.