Sector coupling

The term “sector coupling” refers to energy integration across sectors. The purpose is to maximize the synergy between energy production and usage. On ports, sector coupling stands for the optimal integration of various energy and supply systems used at the port, such as electricity, gas, heating, cooling, water, and transportation. A coupling of these sectors can contribute to a more effective energy usage. With ports accounted as one of the most energy-intensive sites, there is a lot to gain on decarbonization strategies of CO2 - both nationally and internationally. The inherent features of ports, which include industries with different feedstocks and various types of power plants, optimal integration of the sectors can make it possible to achieve significant benefits such as decarbonization, efficiency improvement, and financial gains.

Today’s technological developments makes the conversion of different forms of energy possible, which makes grater sector coupling at ports realistic, as different business models can be implemented in these sites for improving efficiency and reaching a carbon-neutral economy. Here, a list of examples is made for, how a wide range of business cases can be implemented on ports by the help of sector coupling:

• On a typical port, consumed electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, can be used to power other port facilities – e.g., lighting, cooling, and air conditioning.
• Energy storage of excess energy in batteries is also an option, just as the energy can also be used to produce hydrogen as fuel for ships.
• Ports can benefit from sector coupling by integrating their heating and cooling systems, where renewable energy sources can be used for heating and cooling port buildings.
• Wastewater generated at ports can, after treatment at a wastewater treatment plant, be used in electrolysis plants to produce hydrogen.