Introduction: The Need for Sector Coupling and the Energy Transition Goals

This chapter addresses the concept of sector coupling aiming at promoting cooperation among different sectors beyond electricity. It can help in lifting the multiple challenges related to a strong electrified scenario, as it fosters a flexible energy system while increasing efficiency in the energy resources use and reducing renewables curtailment through exploiting synergies among different energy carriers. Although the tangible benefits are achievable via sector coupling, the concept is still addressed at the theoretical level, being far away from a large-scale implementation and deployment. A bottom-up approach based on the assessment of local projects involving renewables and multiple energy carriers is preferable to demonstrate the economic and environmental sustainability of sector coupling solutions. Combining the sector coupling concept at the local level with one of the energy communities leads to the innovative concept of integrated local energy community, which represents an efficient and sustainable way of managing energy at a local level by fostering consumer engagement and empowerment.