Sector Integration

In order to become climate-neutral, Austria - but also the whole of Europe and the entire world - must transform its energy system.

Until now, the different areas of the energy system have largely been separated from each other, such as energy consumption in the transport, industry, gas and building sectors. The electricity, heating and transport sectors were each considered individually and with separate value chains, regulations and infrastructures.

In order to make the best possible use of renewable energy and increase efficiency at the same time, these different areas must be interlinked.

In concrete terms, this can mean: The car is powered by electricity generated by the photovoltaic systems on the roof at home. Your own home or office is heated with the perhaps previously unused heat from a nearby factory. The factory, in turn, is powered by green hydrogen produced using electricity from wind energy. This networking of different areas is known as sector coupling.

The term sector integration is often used interchangeably. Sometimes the term is used more narrowly and then refers to fossil fuels being directly replaced by renewable electricity. One example would be mobility, where (green) electricity is used instead of petrol or diesel for an electric car. This electrification enables the energy transition and is often very efficient at the same time. Nevertheless, the overall demand for renewable electricity will increase.

We provide answers on sector integration

How can an energy system be planned and operated in which the various energy sources, infrastructures and consumption sectors are connected to one another? The experts from the Austrian Energy Agency are analyzing how new connections can be created between the sectors while also taking advantage of technological progress.