Introduction: Compare the marginal cost of carbon abatement, cost and ecological economics for a defined set of technologies by doing a literature review of existing published studies and presenting the findings in a report. The intent of the initial phase is to provide factual evidence that can be used in WWU and the other Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) interactions with the different regulatory agencies (DECC, DEFRA and OFGEM).

Technical Scope: As the study is based on the existing literature review, the study will be limited to the available published reports. We will only consider credible sources for our review, which will be documented and clearly referenced. The study will include those technologies on which published reports exist, but will maintain special focus on the following technologies used for space heating:

1. Electric heating (e.g. ASHP) powered by offshore wind (taking into account any back up generation and storage)
2. Biomethane from anaerobic digestion distributed using existing gas infrastructure
3. CHP running on natural gas (traditional extractive technologies and no fracking) to feed district heat networks

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to :
•    Enable WWU to compare a range of carbon mitigation measures (either alternative heating sources or interventions within the existing asset base)
•    Aid the understanding of the impact of various renewable solutions on the energy trilemma and thus create a reliable evidence base to underpin WWU’s strategy and planned investment in carbon abatement measures
•    Enable WWU to engage in policy discussions that impact the heating solutions for the UK as envisaged by the regulatory agencies (DECC, DEFRA and OFGEM)

Expected Benefits: The output of the study will be a report that summarises the literature review. It will enable the development of a clear view of the carbon intensity of various heating solutions to allow WWU and other GDNs to engage in initial policy discussions with the Government and regulators. The output of this study will highlight the gaps in the current information available on this topic and will thus help to define the additional research that is required in order to develop well informed policy and support investment decisions related to heating solutions and the use of gas in the long term plans for energy distribution.