A Comparison of Net-Zero Alternatives to Natural Gas Use in Alberta

The project “A Comparison of Net-Zero Alternatives to Natural Gas Use in Alberta” aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the heating in residential buildings. In general, the direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from residential buildings in Alberta mainly come from conventional heating systems, which rely heavily on the combustion of fossil fuels (e.g., natural gas, wood, propane, and heating oil) for various end-use purposes such as space heating, water heating, and appliances. This project explores the potential of using low-carbon fuels like hydrogen (H2) and electrification methods such as resistive heaters, air-source heat pumps (ASHP), and ground-source heat pumps (GSHP) to achieve decarbonization.

 Hydrogen, as a low-carbon fuel, offers a promising alternative to natural gas. It can be used in existing heating systems with minimal modifications, providing a seamless transition. However, the production and distribution of hydrogen require substantial infrastructure investments. On the other hand, electrification technologies like resistive heaters, air-source heat pumps (ASHP), and ground-source heat pumps (GSHP) offer different advantages. Resistive heaters are simple and cost-effective but less efficient compared to heat pumps. ASHPs are more efficient, especially in moderate climates, but their performance can drop in extremely cold conditions. GSHPs, while having higher upfront costs, provide consistent efficiency regardless of external temperatures.