Sector Coupling and Migration towards Carbon-Neutral Power Systems

There is increasing interest in migrating to a carbon-neutral power system that relies on renewable energy due to concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, energy shortages, and global warming. However, the increasing share of renewable energy has added volatility and uncertainty to power system operations. Introducing new devices and using flexible resources may help solve the problem, but expanding the domain of the problem can be another solution. Sector coupling, which integrates production, consumption, conversion, and storage by connecting various energy domains, could potentially meet the needs of each energy sector. It can also reduce the generation of surplus energy and unnecessary carbon emissions. As a result, sector coupling, an integrated energy system, increases the acceptance of renewable energy in the traditional power system and makes it carbon neutral. However, difficulties in large-scale integration, low conversion efficiency and economic feasibility remain obstacles. This perspective paper discusses the background, definition, and components of sector coupling, as well as its functions and examples in rendering power systems carbon-neutral. The current limitations and outlook of sector coupling are also examined.

Automated summary

There is growing interest in transitioning to a carbon-neutral power system that depends on renewable energy sources, driven by concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, energy shortages, and global warming. However, the integration of renewable energy has introduced increased volatility and uncertainty into power system operations. Sector coupling, which involves connecting different energy domains to integrate production, consumption, conversion, and storage, offers a potential solution to meet the needs of each energy sector and reduce surplus energy generation and unnecessary carbon emissions. Despite difficulties in large-scale integration, low conversion efficiency, and economic feasibility, sector coupling presents opportunities to enhance the acceptance of renewable energy and achieve carbon neutrality in traditional power systems. This perspective paper explores the background, definition, components, functions, examples, limitations, and future prospects of sector coupling in rendering power systems carbon-neutral.