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Adoption of renewable home heating systems: An agent-based model of heat pumps in Ireland

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  • Meles, Tensay Hadush
  • Ryan, Lisa

Abstract

Consumer adoption of renewable energy technologies such as heat pumps for home heating is crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on imported fossil fuels. In recognition of their potential, policymakers in several countries have introduced various financial incentives to encourage the uptake of renewable energy technologies. However, consumers' purchasing decisions and choice of a particular technology is a complex process that goes beyond financial aspects. In this paper, we examine the adoption decisions and diffusion of heat pumps for residential home heating using an agent-based modeling and simulation approach. In particular, we model the influence of three factors: economic, psychological, and social networks, on the future uptake of heat pumps. We utilize recent nationally representative Irish household survey data and historical heat pump uptake data to derive model parameters for decision rules based on empirical data and simulate the adoption of heat pumps in existing Irish homes until 2030. We further analyze the implications of those future uptakes on electricity demand, bill savings, and reduction in CO2 emissions. The findings of this research based on the case study of Ireland should be useful to policymakers and companies in devising monetary and non-monetary interventions aimed at increasing future actual uptake of heat pumps and other renewable energy technologies.

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  • Meles, Tensay Hadush & Ryan, Lisa, 2022. "Adoption of renewable home heating systems: An agent-based model of heat pumps in Ireland," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:169:y:2022:i:c:s1364032122007353
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112853
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    3. Salite, Daniela & Miao, Ying & Turner, Ed & Feng, Yuan, 2024. "Assessing the adoption of sustainable heating technologies in the United Kingdom – A case study of socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods of Nottingham city," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
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