244 / 288
244 |
Ten-Year Network Development Plan 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
Image courtesy of NET4GAS