Abstract:
With lockdowns and restrictions on movement changing the way we travel, work and entertain ourselves, the Covid-19 crisis has had dramatic impacts on the energy system: In 2020 the IEA estimates primary energy demand fell by around 5%. What, if anything, do these changes this mean for future energy demand? Could any of these be permanent or will we soon see a ‘rebound’ in energy demand as people revert to business as usual?
In this short introduction, Jeremy Sung presents the IEA’s latest analysis on Covid-19 related behaviour changes from two IEA reports: Energy Efficiency 2020 and the World Energy Outlook 2020. Following this, David Shipworth, Chair of the Users TCP, will host a discussion with Linda Steg from the University of Groningen, Netherlands, covering topics such as if changes observed in 2020 could comprise a ‘new normal’, which changes might be more preferable than others, and what the policy implications might be.
Presenter(s):
Jeremy Sung (IEA), David Shipworth (Users TCP Chair/UCL) and Linda Steg (University of Groningen).
Presentation slides and related publications/links
