Power-to-Heat for Renewable Energy Integration: Technologies, Modeling Approaches, and Flexibility Potentials

Abstract

Flexibly coupling power and heat sectors may contribute to both renewable energy integration and decarbonization. We present a literature review of modelbased analyses in this field, focusing on residential heating. We compare geographical and temporal research scopes and identify state-of-the-art analytical model formulations, particularly concerning heat pumps and thermal storage. While numerical findings are idiosyncratic to specific assumptions, a synthesis of results generally indicates that power-to-heat technologies can cost-effectively contribute to fossil fuel substitution, renewable integration, and decarbonization. Heat pumps and passive thermal storage emerge as particularly favorable options.

Keywords: Power-to-heat, renewable energy, decarbonization, heat pump, thermal energy storage

JEL Classification: C61, D62, Q42