In the quest to decarbonize the building sector, heat pumps are emerging as a formidable ally, according to a comprehensive review published in the journal *Energies* (which translates to “Energies” in English). Led by Agnieszka Żelazna from the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy at Lublin University of Technology in Poland, the study delves into the technical performance, environmental impact, and deployment potential of various heat pump technologies, offering valuable insights for the energy sector.
The building sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, making the transition to low-carbon heating systems a critical step in achieving climate neutrality. Heat pumps, known for their high energy efficiency, are at the forefront of this transition. The review synthesizes findings from recent literature, including peer-reviewed studies and industry reports, to evaluate air source, ground source, and water source heat pumps.
The results are promising. Hybrid heat pump systems, which combine heat pumps with other heating technologies, achieve the lowest specific greenhouse gas emissions, averaging 0.108 kgCO2eq/kWh of heat delivered. Water source heat pumps (WSHPs) and ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) also perform well, with emissions ranging from 0.018 to 0.216 kgCO2eq/kWh and 0.050–0.211 kgCO2eq/kWh, respectively. Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) follow closely, with emissions ranging from 0.083–0.216 kgCO2eq/kWh.
“Despite higher investment costs, the lower environmental footprint of GSHPs and WSHPs makes them attractive options for decarbonizing the building sector,” Żelazna notes. This is due to their better performance resulting from more stable thermal input and higher Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP).
The integration of heat pumps with thermal storage, renewable energy, and smart control technologies further enhances their efficiency and climate benefits. This integration is crucial for overcoming market challenges and maximizing the potential of heat pumps in the energy transition.
The review concludes that heat pumps, particularly in hybrid configurations, are a cornerstone technology for sustainable building heat supply. As the energy sector seeks to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, the findings of this study could shape future developments, encouraging the adoption of heat pumps and driving innovation in their integration with other technologies.
In the words of Żelazna, “Heat pumps show a potential GHG emission reduction of up to 90%, depending on the kind of technology and energy mix.” This significant reduction potential underscores the importance of heat pumps in the journey towards a low-carbon future. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this review could prove invaluable in steering the course towards sustainable and efficient heating solutions.