Electricity & gas sector coupling: how to get the synergy right?

As we stride to deliver carbon neutral electricity in Europe by 2045, clean power becomes a clear solution for the decarbonisation of the gas sector. The coupling of electricity and gas will bring about numerous, novel carbon neutral energy carriers paving the way for a swift reduction of CO₂ emissions, especially those stemming from industrial activities and heavy duty transport.

“Time is pressing and Europe must use all available solutions towards decarbonisation. Power to gas and sector coupling belong to those and can become very useful in some hard to abate sectors, provided important investments are made. Yet, for the bulk of the economy, the solution will be electrification. Europe must absolutely tap into the potential of clean electricity and must accelerate investment in this area”, said Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric. 

Harnessing the full potential of these synergies will require urgent consideration and action on a number of factors. In this view, Eurelectric issued “Recommendations for a cost-effective transition unlocking the benefits of sector coupling”, urging the EU Commission, ENTSO-E, ENTSO-G and Regulators to act on:

• The development of a taxonomy of gases;
• An independent assessment of the commercial availability/maturity of clean gases by 2030 and 2050;
• A joint 10-year development plan (TYNDP) that ensures a long-term, “Paris Agreement” compliant projection for the overall energy and gas demand;
• The revision of the 2013 TEN-E Infrastructure Regulation.

Most hydrogen is produced today with hydrocarbons. But there is a chance to make it clean, by using electrolysis and carbon-neutral electricity. Check one concrete example on power-to-gas, watching “Leading the charge”, our series on electrification produced with BBC StoryWorks.