Influence of the expansion of heat pumps on the distribution grid

Due to the net-zero target of the Swiss federation's Energy Strategy 2050, fossil-fuel based heat generation is largely being replaced by heat pumps. The increase in the number of heat pumps means a significant increase in electricity demand and grid power. A working group of the Smart Grid Switzerland Association (VSGS) has examined the influence on the resulting grid load and the optimisation potential for reducing the necessary grid expansion. The study shows that the grid load across Switzerland will increase by around 60%, and possibly more or less in some regions. The potential for reducing the necessary grid expansion through control is limited. During cold spells, high loads occur throughout the day.