Sector coupling enables energy to flow with the highest possible efficiency between sectors, transferring renewable energy to transport, heating, industrial production and farming – areas currently powered by fossil fuels.
Photo credit: GreenLab
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.
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Sector coupling is about breaking down silos and enabling renewable energy to flow seamlessly between traditionally separate sectors such as heating, cooling, water, storage, power-to-x, transport, agriculture and industrial processes. Discover seven prime examples from the recently launched white paper "Sector Coupling - Unlocking renewable energy's full potential".
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Breaking down silos and cultivating collaboration. Sector coupling is a comprehensive term with many different aspects. Learn more as we define and explain the term as it is understood in the publication "Sector Coupling - Unlocking renwable energy's full potential".
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Discover the hidden potential of sector coupling in our white paper, offering valuable insights and practical solutions that can inspire and guide global efforts towards a green and sustainable transition.
This publication is funded by the EU.
Discover the publicationThe global transition to a low-carbon economy faces a fundamental challenge: the fragmentation of energy systems, which limits the use of renewable energy. Transport, heating, industrial production and farming often operate in silos, limiting the potential to maximise renewable energy use and efficiency. With fossil fuels still dominating sectors such as heavy industry and transport, achieving net-zero emissions remains an uphill battle. As climate change accelerates, innovative, integrated solutions are essential to meet the growing energy demand sustainably and achieve global climate goals.
Sector coupling is a transformative approach to energy management, breaking down silos to enable the seamless flow of renewable energy across industries. By integrating electricity, heating, cooling, gas, water, Power-to-X (PtX) and storage technologies, sector coupling offers:
Sector coupling is not just an enabler of renewable integration but a catalyst for large-scale sustainability, resource optimisation, and economic growth.
This figure presents a simplified model of sector coupling with a focus on energy. The primary driver for decarbonising our energy system 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.
Read more in “Understanding sector coupling”
Denmark is at the forefront of sector coupling, leveraging decades of expertise in renewable energy and cross-sector collaboration. Key Danish strongholds include:
Sector coupling is a complex topic that refers to a holistic approach with an interconnected energy system. Discover concrete cases from solution providers exemplifying the many ways sector coupling can leverage renewable energy’s potential.
Discover casesDenmark has built a strong foundation in sector coupling, drawing on years of experience in renewable energy production and system integration. The white paper “Sector coupling – Unlocking the full potential of renewable energy” outlines several areas where Denmark’s approach to sector coupling supports the green transition.
In the publication, Danish expertise is reflected across a range of sectors, providing concrete examples of how sector coupling can drive decarbonisation and energy efficiency.
Download our publication and discover how to unlock the full potential of sector coupling.
This publication is funded by the EU.
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