Energy renovations to eliminate bottlenecks in local electrical grids

To mitigate climate change, it is crucial to reduce energy use in existing buildings. Improved energy efficiency also increases the possibility of flexibility in energy use, which is important for a sustainable transition. However, there are few studies of the effect of energy renovations on the energy flexibility of buildings. This is important both for property owners – due to power tariffs – and for local electricity and district heating networks whose delivery capacity is limited by the heating needs of connected buildings in winter. This project aims to demonstrate the potential for various energy renovation measures and smart, flexible heating control in electrically heated buildings, mainly single-family houses. Another aim is to show how reduced maximum electricity demand for a larger number of electrically heated buildings frees up electrical capacity in the local electricity grid. By highlighting these dual benefits, the long-term goal of the project is to contribute to increasing the pace of energy renovations. The project is accompanied by a reference group consisting of representatives from Anthesis, the Energy and Climate Advisory Service in Borås City, Nätkraft Borås and the Energy Efficiency Association.