Electrification of Buildings: Potential, Challenges, and Outlook

Purpose of Review: We review the literature on the potential for electrifying energy use in residential in commercial buildings, focusing on the USA. In so doing, we identify critical economic and non-economic factors that bear on the prospects for building electrification. Recent Findings: At present electrification is most viable in new buildings, in milder climates, where a single electric heat pump can replace both existing heating and cooling units that are at or near retirement, and especially where local gas infrastructure costs can be avoided. Summary: Per the reviewed studies, electrification is already viable in many buildings today, and likely stands to become viable in more buildings over time. A number of policy factors may promote or impede electrification; rapid electrification would likely require significant policy intervention. The literature is mostly focused on residential buildings and additional research on commercial buildings would be welcome. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.