Sector coupling via Energy Communities

Challenge

The green transition requires the establishment of new facilities, such as solar panels, which require significant investments and can face local opposition. To optimize the use of green energy, cost-effective digital sector coupling between electricity, heating, transport, and consumers must be created and engaged directly and efficiently.

Solution

The project, in collaboration with Energifællesskabet Avedøre AMBA – the first citizen energy community in Denmark, develops energy planning models, CO2/economic calculations, methods for consumer engagement, and a digital platform that demonstrates how local energy communities can solve sector coupling. Simulations, user studies, and smaller demonstrations are planned.

Impact

• 20% higher CO2 savings due to increased local consumer engagement
• 80% increased local engagement from consumers in the energy community
• Twice the expansion of solar panels in local energy communities due to optimized consumption, storage, sector coupling, and energy trading
• Local sector coupling/integration of electricity + heating + transport costs the same as regional/national sector coupling but has much greater support/engagement.