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Rerouting network companies toward decarbonisation
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Managing the European power system is similar to changing the course of a sailboat: It requires coordinated action. Instead of lines and sails, regulators use rules and procedures to guide the ship — including how network companies are remunerated. In an article for Foresight Climate & Energy, Zsuzsanna Pató navigates the concept of performance-based regulation. She describes how providing network companies with financial incentives driven by consumer interests can play an important role in decarbonisation.
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Energy performance certificates hold back heat decarbonisation
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When Jan Rosenow replaced his gas boiler with a heat pump, he expected to see the energy efficiency gains reflected in his energy performance certificate. To his surprise, the rating for his UK home was still a poor grade E. Learn three reasons why installing a heat pump does not currently result in an improved EPC rating. Dr. Rosenow shares lessons learned, recommendations for improving the rating system and good news about a pending update.
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UK capacity market déjà vu
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The European Commission recently confirmed its 2014 opinion on the necessity for a British capacity market and its compliance with EU state aid rules. In an article for Euractiv, Philip Baker and Michael Hogan present evidence of considerable surplus capacity in Britain. Not only is there no immediate need for new investment in generation, they argue, the recast Electricity Regulation can be relied upon to ensure supply reliability without the need for market-distorting capacity mechanisms.
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Distribution grid planning for e-mobility and a successful energy transition
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Recent research forecasts as many as 45 million passenger vehicles on Germany’s roads by 2050. Agora Verkehrswende, Agora Energiewende and RAP analysed this daunting scenario. They found that, even if all vehicles are electric, “smart” EV charging and strategic grid planning can fund and help ensure a successful transition to clean energy on the distribution networks. The authors provide five policy recommendations to regulate managed EV charging, boost network utilisation rates and safeguard consumer interests.
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Beneficial electrification of space heating
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Space heating often relies on fossil fuels, but switching to heat pumps and other electric technologies can help save money for consumers, provide flexibility to grid operators and reduce emissions. RAP’s study on electrifying heat considers what policymakers need to know about this piece of the energy transition. Read more
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“Phasing out fossil fuel heating through tighter minimum standards would have significant impact and should be a priority policy area.”
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Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)®
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