The energy transition today faces an evident paradox: while renewable generation, especially solar, is growing rapidly, large amounts of this clean energy are lost due to grid limitations. In Chile, the so-called curtailment of renewable energy not injected into the system has become increasingly frequent, representing more than 20% of the solar and wind energy generated in 2024. This phenomenon reflects structural inefficiencies in energy planning and indicates the opportunity to move toward deep integration between energy sectors through energy storage and conversion technologies.
This approach, known as “sector coupling” or sector coupling, allows for the intelligent linking of the electricity sector with the thermal, transportation, and even the chemical and fuel industries. The key lies in deploying storage solutions that not only store energy but also transform it to be used when and where it is most needed.
For example, solar electricity that is currently lost during the day could be used to generate heat through Power-to-Heat (PtH) technologies, such as industrial heat pumps or electric heaters. This thermal energy can power fossil fuel-intensive industrial processes, reducing direct emissions and operational costs. Chile's solar potential, one of the highest in the world, offers unique conditions for this strategy.
Likewise, Power-to-Gas (PtG) technologies allow for the conversion of renewable electricity into green hydrogen, which can be stored, transported, and used in boilers, turbines, fuel cells, or industrial processes. This hydrogen can also be converted into synthetic methane or liquid fuels (PtL), integrating the transportation and chemical sectors without requiring new infrastructure.
Even electric vehicles can be integrated into the system as distributed storage elements through Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies, where batteries not only consume electricity but can also return it to the grid during times of high demand.
The result of these interconnections is a more flexible, resilient, and efficient energy system. Curtailment is reduced, grid congestion is relieved, energy supply and demand are balanced, and the use of renewable energies is expanded beyond the electricity sector.
From a strategic perspective, sector coupling not only improves the technical efficiency of the energy system but also creates opportunities for industrial development and employment. The production of hydrogen, the deployment of thermal storage, or the development of synthetic fuels can revitalize new value chains in the country.
To capture these opportunities, a coordinated energy planning vision is required that moves beyond sectoral segmentation. This involves integrating the design of grid infrastructure, incentives for Power-to-X technologies, flexible regulatory frameworks, and policies that promote investment in multi-sectoral storage solutions.
In a context of increasing climate ambition, volatile energy prices, and carbon neutrality goals, energy storage and sector coupling are not a technological utopia but rather constitute a strategic necessity for achieving a smart and efficient energy transition.
