Integrated assessment on the implementation of sustainable heat technologies in the built environment in Harbin, China

Heating in built environments is an essential factor regarding energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Thus, the application of sustainable heating technologies is vital for reducing CO2 emissions. The literature indicates the requirement for a comprehensive assessment of the technical, economic, and environmental performances of various sustainable heating technologies and their implementation feasibility at the local level. Accordingly, this study presents a quantitative assessment relative to Harbin, a typical northern city with a coal-dominated heating system. Seven sustainable heating technologies were examined using current policy and future renewable scenarios. The results indicate that the examined heating technologies are technically feasible. Biomass heating saves costs and emissions (CO2 avoidance costs of 24-47 euro/t), although fuel availability and storage management limit its implementation. Solar heating is a promising technology with reduced costs and low CO2 emissions (CO2 avoidance costs can decline by 50% from 2020 to 2050). However, its current resident acceptance is relatively low as lengthy investigations and periods for underground construction are required. Electric heating is preferable in terms of implementation feasibility; however, its economic competitiveness and environmental impact depend heavily on electricity prices and grid cleanliness (CO2 avoidance costs of 120-463 euro/t). This study contributes to the existing literature on sustainable heat transition in China by providing informative local circumstances in Harbin and presenting assumption-making methods in detail when local data is not transparent. The integrated assessment provides solid evidence to facilitate decision-making in the clean heating transition in northern cities of China. The methods are applicable to other countries with similar heat-supply structures and climate conditions.