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Enhancing Energy Transition through Sector Coupling: A Review of Technologies and Models

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  • Qichen Wang

    (Sino-German Research Institute of Carbon Neutralization and Green Development, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
    Institute of Subsurface Energy Systems, Clausthal University of Technology, 38678 Clausthal Zellerfeld, Germany
    Research Centre of Energy Storage Technologies, Clausthal University of Technology, 38640 Goslar, Germany)

  • Zhengmeng Hou

    (Institute of Subsurface Energy Systems, Clausthal University of Technology, 38678 Clausthal Zellerfeld, Germany
    Research Centre of Energy Storage Technologies, Clausthal University of Technology, 38640 Goslar, Germany)

  • Yilin Guo

    (Sino-German Research Institute of Carbon Neutralization and Green Development, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
    Institute of Subsurface Energy Systems, Clausthal University of Technology, 38678 Clausthal Zellerfeld, Germany
    Research Centre of Energy Storage Technologies, Clausthal University of Technology, 38640 Goslar, Germany)

  • Liangchao Huang

    (Sino-German Research Institute of Carbon Neutralization and Green Development, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
    Institute of Subsurface Energy Systems, Clausthal University of Technology, 38678 Clausthal Zellerfeld, Germany
    Research Centre of Energy Storage Technologies, Clausthal University of Technology, 38640 Goslar, Germany)

  • Yanli Fang

    (Institute of Subsurface Energy Systems, Clausthal University of Technology, 38678 Clausthal Zellerfeld, Germany
    Research Centre of Energy Storage Technologies, Clausthal University of Technology, 38640 Goslar, Germany
    Sino-German Energy Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China)

  • Wei Sun

    (Faculty of Land and Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
    Yunnan Key Laboratory of Sino-German Blue Mining and Utilization of Special Underground Space, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China)

  • Yuhan Ge

    (College of Mathematics and Statistics, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China)

Abstract

In order to effectively combat the effects of global warming, all sectors must actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a sustainable and substantial manner. Sector coupling has emerged as a critical technology that can integrate energy systems and address the temporal imbalances created by intermittent renewable energy sources. Despite its potential, current sector coupling capabilities remain underutilized, and energy modeling approaches face challenges in understanding the intricacies of sector coupling and in selecting appropriate modeling tools. This paper presents a comprehensive review of sector coupling technologies and their role in the energy transition, with a specific focus on the integration of electricity, heat/cooling, and transportation, as well as the importance of hydrogen in sector coupling. Additionally, we conducted an analysis of 27 sector coupling models based on renewable energy sources, with the goal of aiding deciders in identifying the most appropriate model for their specific modeling needs. Finally, the paper highlights the importance of sector coupling in achieving climate protection goals, while emphasizing the need for technological openness and market-driven conditions to ensure economically efficient implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Qichen Wang & Zhengmeng Hou & Yilin Guo & Liangchao Huang & Yanli Fang & Wei Sun & Yuhan Ge, 2023. "Enhancing Energy Transition through Sector Coupling: A Review of Technologies and Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-31, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:13:p:5226-:d:1189025
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