CREDS is a multi-institution research centre looking at how reductions in energy use can support the transition to a net-zero society, and move to an energy system that is secure, affordable and sustainable.
Our work
Energy demand is about energy use: how much, but also the key drivers, the fuel type and when it is used. Our aim is to understand the role of energy demand change in accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon energy system, including the technical, social and governance challenges of demand reduction, flexible demand and use of decarbonised energy.
Incremental efficiency improvement and minor behavioural changes will not be sufficient to reduce demand enough, transformative change is needed. This changing context for energy requires new research in technology, business models, social change and governance, and in their interaction.
The UK is committed to a zero-carbon energy system. This radically changes the energy demand challenge, as it can only be delivered by combining reduction in energy use with switching to the use of decarbonised fuels. Zero-carbon energy supply is likely to be dominated by variable renewable sources, such as solar and wind.
- See the CREDS research findings
- Find out more on the CREDS website
Publications
The role of energy demand reduction in achieving net-zero in the UK
October 2021 | John Barrett, Steve Pye, Sam Betts-Davies, Nick Eyre, Oliver Broad, James Price, Jonathan Norman, Jillian Anable, George Bennett, Christian Brand, Rachel Carr-Whitworth, Greg Marsden, Tadj Oreszczyn, Jannik Giesekam, Alice Garvey, Paul Ruyssevelt and Kate Scott
The study brings together 17 energy demand modelling experts from within CREDS to provide extensive detail on the possibilities to reduce energy demand in every sector. These sectoral reductions in energy demand are brought together into a whole-system modelling approach, to understand the potential contribution of energy demand reduction to support climate action in the UK.
Shifting the focus: energy demand in a net-zero carbon UK
July 2019 | Nick Eyre and Gavin Killip
What is the role for energy demand change in the transition to an energy system consistent with a net-zero carbon UK? The report recommendations include prioritising energy demand solutions and recognising all of their benefits; scaling-up policies that work now and investing in energy demand innovation in the long-term; and action from Government to develop effective institutions and policy.
