Influence of flexibility options on the German transmission grid — A sector-coupled mid-term scenario

Germany must decarbonise all energy sectors to meet international and national climate goals. This task necessitates linking the electricity with the gas, heat and mobility sectors. On the one hand, sector coupling increases the demand for electrical energy and changes well-known demand patterns requiring updates to the grid infrastructure. On the other hand, the newly coupled sectors offer flexibility options to support the grid infrastructure and reduce expansion needs.

This study employs a highly detailed model of the German transmission grid to analyse the impact of sector coupling comprising additional electricity demands and flexibility options on grid and storage expansion needs in the year 2035. The results demonstrate that utilising flexibility options can reduce system costs and lower CO₂ emissions. The research adheres to open source and open data principles, with all data and tools being publicly accessible.