Cost Benefit Analysis of a Net-Zero Energy Housing in Qatar

Abstract

 Abstract —In response to local and global energy and health challenges, this paper presents the design and cost benefit of the implementation of Net-Zero Energy Housing (NZEH) to the existing villas in Qatar. Thus, this work determines whether the benefits outweigh the cost of the implementation of NZEH. There is uncertainty over the reliability of the presented cost benefit data in other countries as cost benefits differ from one place to another. A lack of empirical evidence has increased this uncertainty; particularly, a lack of evidence on the costs and benefits of a net zero and low emission housing option to private households. These costs include the cost of renewable energy technologies. This paper aims to bridge the research gap by applying cost benefit methods. Thermal insulation, solar power generation and solar water heating systems were modelled and lifecycle costing was applied to explore the costs and benefits across 25 years for net zero emission new house scenarios in Qatar. The average typical residential villa energy use establishes a baseline for determining energy and cost savings. A cost-benefit analysis was first performed at the subsystem level, house level and then at the country level and the results were in favour of the implementation of NZEH. Solar photovoltaic and solar water heating subsystems are designed in order to meet the hot water and electricity requirements of a typical villa. Thermal insulation was found to be non-beneficial due to the low electricity tariff in Qatar. Annual savings of 299 Qatari Riyals (QAR) per villa and 21 million QAR at the country level could be achieved if NZE housing is implemented. This is in addition to the numerous benefits of the utilization of clean and sustainable energy. If the initiative of NZEH is implemented to all types of residential and commercial units, Qatar would save a multiple of this amount with a significant reduction in related health