One of the main directions for decarbonization of buildings and the housing sector is the electrification of services.
Modern.az reports that this was stated by Riccardo Savigliano, Head of the Energy Systems and Industrial Decarbonization Department of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), at a panel session titled "Decarbonization of Housing and Buildings in the Context of the City-Industry-Climate Nexus" within the 13th session of the World Urban Forum held in Baku.
He noted that steps are being taken in various countries to switch heating, cooling, transport, and industrial services to electricity:
"One of the decarbonization strategies is the electrification of buildings. In parallel, the use of renewable energy sources should also be expanded."
According to him, heat pump technology has started to spread rapidly in Europe:
"This technology is simple, creates local production chains, and contributes to the creation of new jobs. The widespread application of such technologies can have a significant impact on energy systems. It was noted that the widespread adoption of heat pumps in Europe could create an additional terawatt of energy demand."
Riccardo Savigliano emphasized that this means approximately one-eighth of the total electricity produced in Europe would be directed to this technology:
"Cities should be planned taking into account future energy demand. Currently, a dialogue has begun in this direction, but we believe that this is one of the most urgent topics."
He stated that the connection between the energy and industrial sectors also requires special attention.
"As an example, we can show the plan of a steel-producing company in Austria to switch to electric furnaces. This plant alone will require up to one-seventh of the country's total energy supply."
R. Savigliano also added that this scale of increasing demand must be taken into account in planning related to the energy transition.
