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RAP experts keep their finger on the pulse of the energy sector and provide timely analysis of topics impacting stakeholders TODAY.
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Heat pumps gained European market share in 2023 despite falling sales
Following several years of strong growth, heat pump markets slowed in Europe in 2023. In previous articles for Carbon Brief, we discussed this initial surge in 2021 and explored the impact of the energy crisis in 2022. Yet, despite… View Summary +
Cold-Climate Heat Pumps Pass the Ultimate Test: a Maine Winter
Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat, making them an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. In 2019, the state of Maine made residential heat pumps a core piece of its climate strategy and set a goal… View Summary +
The History of Heat Pumps: Technology Advances to Meet the Cold-Climate Challenge
Heat pumps — all-electric, super-efficient temperature control appliances that can both heat and cool indoor spaces — are a key to decarbonizing heating, especially as the grid is served increasingly by carbon-free resources. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the… View Summary +
对建筑行业碳减排路径的探讨
中国提出的“双碳”目标要求在2030年实现全面碳达峰，2060年实现碳中和。这引发了一个问题，即建筑行业在2060年前实现脱碳的路径是什么。本文简要地概述了其中一个可行且具有成本效益的路径，并探讨了可能阻碍实现这一路径的潜在障碍。 建筑行业碳减排路径 中国宏观经济研究院能源研究所和一些国际机构定期开展能源转型的研究，包括对全面减碳路径的分析，以及对各个领域的发展建议。在《中国能源转型展望2022》（以下简称“展望”）中，根据双碳目标制定出的建筑行业碳减排路径分析，其中包含以下几个关键的建筑行业里程碑：… View Summary +
What is a feasible pathway to full building sector decarbonisation for China?
Our global team at RAP spends a lot of time working on the deep details of building sector energy policy and regulation, grappling with the next policymaking steps in various places around the world. To calibrate our efforts and to… View Summary +
Addressing the Problem: Controlling Your Water Heater for Consumer Savings and Load Flexibility
In early January, I sat in my apartment as the winter’s first true cold snap ripped through Montana. It was negative 10 degrees out, with wind chills pushing temperatures even lower. I shivered at the idea of getting my next… View Summary +
Boiler alert: Predicting boiler breakdowns benefits households and reduces harmful emissions
Policymakers can provide stronger tools to avoid households becoming locked into new gas boiler systems We do not get to choose when our boiler breaks down. It could be at the start of the weekend, when a houseful of relatives… View Summary +
Getting the Job Done: Insights on Developing the Heat Pump Workforce
In the coming years, states will need to expand their skilled workforce in order to meet the increasing demand for heat pumps and other electrification measures, especially as new federal funds become available. To help state decision-makers determine which approaches… View Summary +
Will EU’s buildings directive bring benefits for low-income households?
Louise Sunderland highlights that flexible household energy use is pivotal to the energy transition. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive provides an essential gateway to citizen participation in the smart energy system and to cheaper energy for low-income households —… View Summary +
The IRA Includes a Big Push for Heat Pumps, But States Can Do Even More
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) became law one year ago, on August 16, 2022. Its billions in investment for the clean energy transition includes considerable resources to spur heat pump adoption across the country. But how much of an… View Summary +
