Coupling power and heating networks

System integration and electrification

When: Wednesday, 3 April 2019, 14:00 - 15:30
Where: Auditorium 2

Session description

Today there are considerable efforts to move towards smart grids, mainly in the electricity but also gas and heating sectors. In order to integrate massively renewables in the European energy system by 2030 and beyond, it is necessary to develop synergies between these sectors. The aim of this session is to focus on the coupling of the electricity and heating sectors. Invited stakeholders present achievements in the frame of demonstration projects that aim to show the technical and economic feasibility of the technologies tested and the benefits in terms of offered flexibility. Beyond the specific projects, the potential and limitations of coupling the two sectors are analyzed. Finally, the challenges related to regulation and the changes need to enable the synergy among the two sectors are addressed.

Learning objectives

Understand the current demonstration projects that aim to couple grid and heating networks to reduce local congestions;
Understand the potential and limitations of sector coupling on providing flexibility to the power grid;
Understand the economics of existing projects addressing this topic;
Discuss possible regulatory changes needed to unlock the potential of sector coupling.