Programs that hasten the electrification are becoming a popular priority among utilities, whether for heating systems, cooking appliances, or even transportation. The thinking is that by converting areas of energy consumption where customers are burning fuels to electricity, which can be generated by cleaner sources, a net benefit will be gained in emissions reductions.

However, careful study is required for such programs because not all electrification measures will have a net beneficial impact on the environment, even if the electric equipment has higher efficiency. A main reason for this effect is that the energy mix making up the local grid needs to be taken into account, as a coal-heavy grid, for instance, may lead to electric equipment accounting for more emissions.

HJ Wang, a Senior Engineer at DNV GL, has been studying this issue and looking to provide insights into exactly how, when, and where electrification can be most effective in emissions reduction goals and which instances, conversely, lead to more environmental harm than good. HJ will be discussing his findings at a presentation at the upcoming AESP Summer Conference in Toronto, Canada, which will be titled "Quantifying the Environmental Impacts of Electrification: How Behavior-change to Electricity Matters." Before that, though, HJ was kind enough to speak with Energy Central about this topic, his findings, and what his recommendations are in the vital avenue of electrification.

See the full interview with HJ that was posted in the Energy Efficiency community last week: