Proefschrift

The energy and material related impacts of the transition towards low-carbon heating: a case study of the Netherlands

This dissertation investigates the energy and material related impacts of the transition towards a low-carbon heating system in the Netherlands, in the context of its 2050 climate and circular economy policy goals.

Auteur: Verhagen, T.J.
Datum: 01 februari 2023
Links: Thesis in Leiden Repository

Multiple heating system pathways for the Netherlands from 2020-2050 based on the local availability of sources of heat are used. Four main research questions are answered in this dissertation: 1. What is the size of the material stock of the current Dutch natural-gas based heating system, and can this material be used in a circular economy? 2. What are the possible development pathways and operational GHG emissions of the Dutch heating system towards 2050? 3. What are the consequences of the heating transition for the use of materials and how can this transition contribute to the circular economy transition? 4. What is the impact on GHG emissions of the transition towards a low-carbon heating system from 2021-2050? This dissertation shows that taking into account emissions related to materials has major consequences for the achievability of the Dutch climate goals