I deliberately used the example of an a/c in my piece. That's...

I deliberately used the example of an a/c in my piece. That's because the authors of a paper for the UK's DECC had calculated less gas would be consumed in their country if gas was converted to electricity to run reverse cycle a/cs for heating than the present boilers and radiators or underfloor systems. The problem is that the grid can't deliver more electricity without expensive upgrading. You can guess who'd have to pay for that.

If any country has the engineering and tech heritage and ability to make VPPs, decentralised systems and new methods work I'm sure it's Germany. No argument from me there whatsoever.

My wonder, though, is will the punters still be keen for revolutionary gizmos and systems if the hip-pocket and lifestyles suffer because the new isn't as reliable and predictable as the old?