Integration erneuerbarer Energien durch Sektorkopplung: Analyse zu technischen Sektorkopplungsoptionen. Abschlussbericht: Teilvorhaben 2. Umweltforschungsplan des Bundesministeriums für Umwelt, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit, Forschungskennzahl FZK 3714 41 107 2, UBA-FB 002739/1

The aim of the study is to identify the potentials of important new applications where electricity can displace fossil fuels (Sector Coupling Options (SCO)) up to 2050 for Germany and to analyse the contribution these applications could make to achieving energy and climate policy targets. The following conclusions can be drawn for the SCO examined. Many of the SCOs have a high potential to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG). For them to contribute significantly to GHG reduction, it is important that exclusively or predominantly renewable electricity is used. A relevant number of SCOs also have a high flexibility potential and can contribute to the system integration of renewables. The more the flexibility potential of the SCO is used, the less technology is needed that is used exclusively for flexibility provision such as energy storage, for example. Some sector coupling options can also make a significant contribution to increasing energy efficiency. In terms of economic efficiency and taking environmental costs into account, the analysed SCOs per-formed particularly well in transport and, in the longer term, also in the heat sector. However, many of the SCO face major challenges in industry. From an economic and environmental point of view, electricity should be used directly wherever possible and not converted into gaseous or liquid fuels. However, this is not possible or sensible in every area of application, for example, international aviation or shipping. When electricity is converted, particular attention must be paid to the origin of the electricity and the existing high flexibility potential of this SCO must be exploited. Electrolysis and the recovery of CO2 from separation and capture processes are key technologies for the future market success. For the medium- and long-term market success, it is important to get an early start on SCO due to the long lead times involved