EU building efficiency measures could reduce peak loads by 57 GW

Measures to reduce energy demand in buildings could reduce electricity needs and peak loads by around 57 GW and cut capital spending requirements in the power sector by between €89bn and 153bn by 2050.

These are the findings of a report, The role of energy efficient buildings in the EU’s future power system, from energy and climate consultancy Ecofys. The report calls for more appreciation of the role that efficiency measures can make in reducing power needs and costs in Europe. It says that a more holistic modelling of public policy cost/benefit analysis, that includes the estimation of the economics of energy efficiency in buildings, including deep renovation strategies, is needed.

The report says that increasing energy efficiency in buildings will translate into a reduction of energy system peaks, helping to avoid oversized electricity capacity.

It assumes that there will be a higher electricity demand for heating in Europe in the future due to the proliferation of heat pumps. It compares the situation in 2050 under a high building efficiency and a low efficiency scenario to look at the peak loads of electric heat pumps and the ability to shift space heating demand in time. It finds that the efficient buildings scenario has the ability to significantly reduce necessary peak capacities and avoid distribution losses. The 57 GW peak load figure is equal to the electricity production of Austria and the Netherlands combined.

The European Commission is currently working on its Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPBD) and Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) with a review to revise both Directives in 2016.