Fair RHC Options & Trade

Solutions developed

By researching existing support schemes and engaging with stakeholders, FROnT allowed to identify what makes support schemes successful in terms of design, implementation, operation and monitoring.Furthermore, FROnT also aimed to improve transparency about cost of heating and cooling and its value. For that purpose, a common methodology for estimating the value of thermal energy was developed, comparing renewable and sustainable options with incumbent ones. The FROnT tools can assist European or national policy makers, consumers and installers in making better informed decisions, contributing to decarbonise the RES-H&C sector.

Main results

To support a better insight of the value of the energy supplied by RHC systems, promoting transparency and clarity towards end-users and other stakeholders: the FROnT project designed a reliable basis for energy production value estimates that can provide objective criteria for legislation and support schemes across Europe. The assessment of levelized costs of heating and cooling was performed, and the online LCoHC calculation tool was published in order to measure up RES-HC solutions with the reference fossil fuels.
To improve the understanding of the end-users decision making process with regard to heating and cooling systems in order to develop tailored approaches and facilitate adequate measures enhancing the uptake of RHC: the consortium identified the key decision factors for end-users when deciding on a heating and cooling solutions through surveys and developed several tools to promote informed decision and to be able to compare adequately the available options.
A common methodology for estimating the value of energy supplied by RHC systems and an assessment of levelised costs for heating and cooling (renewable and conventional). Through an analysis of relevant factors for the determination of costs of heating and cooling, such as climatic or geological conditions, demand profiles, system performance, etc., and a well-established consultation process, the project developed a commonly agreed calculation method.