Evaluating the greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential due to the use of heat pumps

This study investigates the deployment of heat pumps to decarbonise domestic space heating in the United Kingdom. This study develops a novel modelling tool that includes hourly ambient temperature, dwelling characteristics at a local authority-level, and electricity grid carbon intensity data. This is to evaluate the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with the adoption of air source heat pumps compared to conventionally used natural gas boilers. Key factors influencing the reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions included electricity grid carbon emissions, split of houses (between detached, semi-detached and terraced), and the total number of houses in the local authorities.