An Environmental Assessment of Heat Pumps in Poland

Greenhouse gas emissions are regarded as the cause of the rise in mean Earth temperature, the further increase of which may cause dramatic irreversible global changes. Their levels in Poland are some of the highest in the world. In this study, to evaluate the Energy policy of Poland until 2040, greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions were compared in all Polish climatic zones using a typical meteorological year. A comparison was made between air-to-water, brine-to-water, and water-to-water devices. The electrical energy consumption and coefficient of performance were determined hourly in the heating season. The determining algorithm took a buffer tank or separating heat exchanger into consideration, when they were required, and electricity transmission efficiency. Subsequently the emissions were estimated for the present Polish energy mix and a mix proposed in the Energy policy of Poland until 2040. After implementing this policy all heat pumps will be energetically viable devices. However, only in one location will water-to-water heat pumps cause less emissions than a condensing gas boiler. In other cases, condensing gas boilers will be significantly less emissive devices. Therefore, this policy is insufficient for reducing emissions. Hence, it is necessary to replace almost all coal-fired power plants with natural gas-fired gas turbines in a transitional period.

Automated summary

The study evaluates the energy policy of Poland until 2040 by comparing greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions in different climatic zones. It suggests that after implementing the policy, all heat pumps will be viable devices, but not all of them will have lower emissions than gas boilers. Hence, further measures are needed to reduce emissions, such as replacing coal-fired power plants with natural gas-fired gas turbines.