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Sector coupling

2. October 2024

Sector coupling – Unlocking renewable energy’s full potential

Discover the hidden potential of sector coupling in this white paper, offering valuable insights and practical solutions that can inspire and guide global efforts towards a green and sustainable transition.
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Billede af Maja Schrøder Kristensen

Maja Schrøder Kristensen
Senior Project Manager (Renewable Energy Sources and Sector Coupling)

[email protected]

+45 5126 9589

Sector coupling offers a transformative approach to harnessing the full potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency, driving decarbonisation and achieving climate goals. By integrating energy systems across sectors, sector coupling unlocks unprecedented efficiency and resilience, paving the way for a low-carbon, resource-efficient future.

What is sector coupling and why is it important?

Sector coupling integrates various energy sectors, such as electricity, heating, cooling, gas, and Power-to-X technologies, to maximise the use of renewable energy. This approach enables a flexible transition from fossil fuels, enhancing energy efficiency, security, and resilience while driving decarbonisation efforts. Electrification is central to sector coupling, with technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps reducing emissions and helping to balance the grid. For sectors that are difficult to electrify, Power-to-X converts renewable electricity into fuels like hydrogen, supporting industries such as transport and farming.

Denmark is leading in sector coupling, utilising its renewable energy resources and collaboration between government, industry, and academia. Key initiatives include smart grids, large-scale energy storage, and green hydrogen production. Digitalisation also plays a crucial role in optimising energy flows and improving system efficiency. Sector coupling represents a shift in energy management, fostering sustainability and inspiring global efforts towards a low-carbon future.

With this publication, we aim to inspire and help unlock the full potential of renewable energy sources worldwide.

Key take-aways from the white paper:

  • Understand how sector coupling connects different energy systems to make better use of renewable energy across sectors such as electricity, transport, and industry.
  • Learn how Power-to-X technologies enable the production of green fuels, supporting the decarbonization of sectors that cannot be fully electrified.
  • Explore the role of digital technologies in improving the efficiency and stability of integrated energy systems.
  • See how energy storage and flexibility solutions help manage renewable energy’s variability and ensure a reliable energy supply.
  • Gain insight into Denmark’s approach to sector coupling, highlighting practical examples of its implementation in energy and industry sectors.
Download the publication below
Mentioned in this article: Danish Energy Agency , Danish Industry (DI) , Green Power Denmark , Danish Agriculture and Food Council , Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark , Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities , Energinet , Technical University of Denmark (DTU) , Danish District Heating Association , Kamstrup , Danfoss , Everfuel , Ørsted , Viegand Maagøe , City of Copenhagen , Energy Machines , Ramboll , XOLTA , Aalborg CSP , PlanEnergi , Per Aarsleff A/S , European Energy , Aalborg University , University of Southern Denmark, Faculty of Engineering , Topsoe , Vestas Wind Systems , HOFOR , Alfa Laval , EMD International , NIRAS , Welltec , KK Wind Solutions , BIOFOS , Nature Energy , GreenLab , Green Hydrogen Systems , Kalundborg Symbiosis , Kalundborg Municipality , Novo Nordisk , Novonesis , Unibio

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Digitalisation as the foundation of sector coupling

Download the publication

Discover the hidden potential of sector coupling in this white paper, offering valuable insights and practical solutions that can inspire and guide global efforts towards a green and sustainable transition.


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