Sector Coupling

Two Strategies for Sector Coupling

In the three so-called consumption sectors of industry, transport, and buildings, there has been little progress in decarbonization, i.e., the reduction of greenhouse gases. Up to now, a considerable amount of fossil fuels has been used in these sectors, and CO₂ emissions are consequently high. To emit fewer greenhouse gases, these three sectors must switch more strongly to renewable energy sources. CO₂ emissions can only be reduced sustainably if industry, transport, and buildings are considered and optimized together. That is where sector coupling comes in with two strategies.

1. Electrification: To reduce CO₂ emissions, part of the final energy consumption can be electrified, i.e., covered by electricity, which in the long term is to come from renewable energies. In the case of electromobility, cars, scooters, and other vehicles run on electricity instead of gasoline and diesel. In buildings, traditional heating systems are replaced by electric heat pumps. Instead of using fossil fuels such as oil or gas, they heat or cool with electricity. The more electricity is generated from renewable energies; the more fossil fuels are displaced.
2. Power-to-X: Climate-neutral, synthetic, or biogenic fuels such as hydrogen, methane, gasoline, or kerosene can also reduce CO₂ emissions. In the so-called power-to-X process, synthetic fuels are produced from (surplus) electricity from renewable sources. These fuels can be used through the existing gas and heat infrastructure.

Many Links Between the Sectors

The total energy system model DIMENSION developed by the EWI allows the entire European energy system to be considered. For example, the model can be used to determine the optimal short- and long-term supply costs for electricity, heat, and synthetic fuels in the overall European system across sectors. Interdependencies, as well as political, regulatory and technological framework conditions, are taken into account.

For example, demand for electricity in the transport sector increases overall demand and electricity price. The latter, in turn, causes lower market penetration. Prices, technologies, and energy demands are thus links between the different sectors. Throughout themodeling, the consumption sectors buildings, industry, and transport are mapped in detail and included in the cost optimization.

Fewer Emissions in all Sectors …

The EWI develops and compares transformation pathways towards Germany’s climate policy goals for 2050, working on many projects in close cooperation with partners from all sectors, politics, society, and science.

Indeed, Germany could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions if greater efforts were made in all sectors. To achieve this, renewable energies would have to be expanded and better integrated. Final energy consumption would have to be reduced through comprehensive energy efficiency efforts, and synthetic energy sources would have to be used on a large scale. A broad mix of technologies and energy sources would enable a more cost-effective and robust transformation of the energy system than complete electrification.

… on the Way to Climate Neutrality

On the way to the politically targeted climate neutrality by 2050, all sectors must significantly reduce emissions – all the way to “net-zero”.  The EWI is researching the role played by new political, economic, and social framework conditions, such as hydrogen as an energy carrier. It also analyzes the impact of the European Commission’s “Green Deal” on national climate targets and the challenges concerning the technologies required.

Within the framework of expert opinions and studies, the EWI works on developing climate-neutral, innovative and integrated scenarios for the energy transition. The aim is to create consistent development paths across sectors, which serve as a basis for corporate and political decisions.