Sector coupling is emerging as one of the most transformative approaches to accelerating the green transition. By linking traditionally separate sectors such as energy, heating, transportation, and industry, sector coupling unlocks significant efficiency gains and resilience, creating new opportunities for sustainable innovation. Read more about how to unlock the potential of sector coupling in our new white paper.
Is sector coupling the key to unlocking renewable energy's full potential?
Sector coupling is more than just the latest industry phrase - it’s a transformative approach with the potential to drive Europe’s green energy revolution. By linking different sectors like energy, heating, transportation and industry, sector coupling can unlock massive efficiency and deliver resilience gains. At its core, sector coupling is all about breaking down barriers and cultivating collaboration across industries.
Sounds simple, right? But the potential impact is profound.
The figure above presents a simplified model of sector coupling with a focus on energy. The primary driver for decarbonising our energy consumption is replacing fossil fuels with green electricity through direct electrification. This is represented by the green line connecting the model’s six application areas: transport, buildings, industrial processes, agriculture, water management and storage/Power-to-X.
By integrating energy and data flows across sectors, we can diversify our energy supply, ramp up renewable energy use and significantly cut reliance on fossil fuels. The result? A more efficient energy system with lower costs, healthier communities, cleaner air and more comfortable homes. Perhaps most critically, it builds resilience against future energy shocks.
For this reason, governments and industries keep a firm focus on sector coupling to step up and take action. Setting strong examples is key to defining the pace and success of the transition.
An example is Denmark. With its rich renewable energy resources, advanced technologies and digitalised society, Denmark is developing integrated energy solutions that can inspire others. With a wind potential in Danish waters of more than three times the electricity needed for a fully electrified society, Denmark is geared to lead the way in sector coupling and build on its existing position as a global leader in integrating energy solutions.
The Danish journey toward an interconnected energy system unfolds in three key phases:
the establishment of district heating and combined heat and power plants
direct electrification efforts
the continued emergence of so-called Power-to-X initiatives
Each phase builds upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive and interconnected energy system that supports climate goals, strengthens resilience and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Discover the hidden potential of sector coupling in our brand-new white paper, offering valuable insights and practical solutions that can inspire and guide global efforts towards a green and sustainable transition.
Magnus Højberg Mernild
Editor, State of Green Weekly
News and events
News
New white paper: Unlocking the potential of renewable energy through sector coupling
Sector coupling unlocks the full potential of renewable energy, driving decarbonisation and climate action. Explore key sectors and solutions behind it in our new white paper. Read more
Cases
7 key examples of sector coupling from energy and industry sectors
Sector coupling is about enabling renewable energy to flow seamlessly between sectors such as heating, cooling, water, storage, power-to-x, transport, agriculture and industrial processes. Discover seven examples of cases from Denmark's energy and industry sectors. Read more
News
European leaders set sight on North Sea wind expansion
The countries around the North Seas seek to boost offshore wind power with a series of concrete recommendations on how Europe can deliver on its renewable energy ambitions.
Large-scale heat pumps help hospital save energy and profit from excess energy
Sønderborg Hospital has implemented an integrated energy system based on electric heat pumps that can recover process heat from equipment and reuse for cooling wards. Excess heat is sold to the local district heating grid. Read more
Ramboll, Colloide Engineering, Cullinan Studio, GEA, Gleeds, Isilington Council
Turning waste heat from London's Underground to district energy
The Bunhill Heat Network in Islington, London, is a project that repurposes waste heat from the London Underground to provide green district heating. Read more
TVIS Fredericia, Everfuel, Crossbridge Energy,
Ørsted, Energnist
Transmission network utilises surplus heat for district heating
TVIS, a Danish heat transmission company, integrates different energy sectors by capturing surplus heat from local industries and redistributing it through a large-scale district heating network. Read more
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