Aiming at a 60% reduction in CO2: implications for residential lights and appliances and micro-generation

A number of European Governments, including the UK, have a target for a reduction in CO2 emissions of 60 % by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. This paper explores the implications for residential lights and appliances and for microgeneration which are both mass produced and have the potential for significant cost reduction and market transformation. Projected consumption for lights and appliances could be halved through a combination of new technologies, fuel switching and reduced purchasing of new and energy intensive products. A focus on energy efficiency is not sufficient. Microgeneration devices generate heat and or power and are installed in the building or community. Typical devices include micro-CHP (both Stirling engine and fuel cell), community based CHP, biomass, heat pumps, solar PV, and solar thermal. Different technologies have potential in different types of housing. Microgeneration is developing rapidly in the UK. By 2050 the domestic sector could supply most of its heat and electricity from microgeneration, with conventional heating technologies (electric heating and gas central heating boilers) almost obsolete. The cost of such change is discussed. In particular, ‘experience curves ’ show that the cost of a new product is shown to fall in a predictable way with increases in volume. Applying this approach shows that payback times fall dramatically with significant levels of uptake possible. Policy to deliver such large changes through Market Transformation is discussed. The development of Energy Services Companies could help finance the required investment. Personal Carbon Allowances and information both have a significant role to play