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Decarbonizing residential space and water heating: The case for electrification

Panel: 1. Foundations of future energy policy

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Imran Sheikh, University of California, Berkeley, USA

Abstract

In order to meet ambitious carbon reduction goals, direct combustion of fossil fuels in homes will need to largely cease. The largest portion of this reduction will likely come from energy efficiency, but efficiency alone will not be sufficient. This paper looks specifically at California and builds the case for why energy efficiency with electrification of heating is the most likely path to achieve the large carbon emission reduction needed from this sector. We examine alternative decarbonization strategies, such as solar thermal, biogas, synthetic natural gas, and electrification and show why electrification is likely to be the most promising path. While electrification may be the most promising path in California, it is not necessarily the most promising path in all regions. We discuss the benefits of electrification and its limitations.

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