Investigation of the influence of hybrid heating technologies on the development path of gas networks in the context of the municipal energy transition

In order to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality in Germany by 2045, it is essential to switch to a sustainable energy supply in the building sector. A central component on this path is is to replace existing fossil-fuelled heating technologies with sustainable alternatives. Unfortunately, not every building can be converted without further ado. Especially in older existing buildings with high flow temperatures, pure heat pumps can be operated inefficiently. One solution to this is using hybrid heating technologies in which the heat pump covers the base load and (existing) gas heating systems provide support during peak loads. This means that there will still be a demand for gas in the future. Due to the change in demand in only a few periods of the year, the economic viability of the gas network must be questioned.