ENTSOG TYNDP 2017 - Main Report

7.2 Sector coupling

ENTSOG’s understanding of sector coupling is the physical coupling of gas, power, heat and mobility infrastructures with the aim of making optimal use of the potentials of each. Through this process, renewable energy can be integrated into the system in an ecologi- cal and economic manner, whilst ensuring security of supply. Sector coupling will enable the EU energy system for power, heat and mobility to decarbonise in a cost effective and achievable way, something that a single energy infrastructure will not be capable of. The gas transmission network is already a key element of the energy system and will continue this role with the help of current and developing technologies. Efficient long-term storage and long-distance transmission are some of the most important advantages and potentials of gas infrastructure compared to other energy systems. Therefore it is vital for successful system coupling and decarbonisation that the European regulatory framework takes a neutral technological approach. Sector coupling can be realised by the use of hybrid appliances. The term hybrid means that at least two energy carriers are involved. An example of a hybrid application is the hybrid heat pump, which can run on both gas and electricity. This offers a wide variety of opportunities: the hybrid heat pump can use electricity at times that electricity is cheap and abundantly available, thereby avoiding curtail- ment and lowering the energy bill for the owner. On the other hand, the hybrid heat pump can use gas instead of electricity at times that electricity is expensive and scarce, thus also contributing to a lower energy bill for the owner. Instant switchable hybrid appliances enable consumers to use instantaneously the energy carrier of their choice thus minimising cost and network congestion. Hybrid appliances offer flexibility to avoid network congestion and increase security of supply. Flexibility in energy carrier choice at consumer level should be utilised before turning to conversion between energy carriers. Therefore, hybrid systems can act as an economic way to connect gas and electricity infrastructure through end-user appliances

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Ten-Year Network Development Plan 2017 Main Report