Evaluation of the hourly GHG intensity profiles of high-temperature heat pumps in industrial applications

High-temperature heat pumps are increasingly being seen as a potential solution to decarbonize medium-temperature industrial applications. Some manufacturers are already providing solutions that can supply heat at 120°C, that could be of interest for a range of industries, with the aim of supporting the electrification of the sector. However, reliable performance indicators are required to estimate the actual emissions of this solution compared to the traditional options, to optimize their emission savings and penetration levels. In this analysis, we are evaluating the hourly emission factor of high-temperature heat pumps by integrating their operational profiles, which are also integrating the variable performance related to different operational temperatures and load factors, with the hourly emission factors from the electricity generation mix of the power grid. The comparison of various heat demand profiles from real data of industrial applications, along with the analysis of the electricity mix of different European countries, highlight the potential variability of greenhouse gas emissions along the supply chain for this solution. The results of the hourly analysis are also compared to average annual values to estimate the level of approximation of such a simplified approach. Our results can support energy system modellers as well as policy makers, by providing additional information of the performance of high-temperature heat pumps in real operating conditions that can be integrated in energy system models as a basis to improve the knowledge and reliability of decarbonization strategies and policies.