Environmental Studies and Forestry

Energy demand reduction options for meeting national zero-emission targets in the United Kingdom

J. Barrett, S. Pye, et al.

This research shows that a remarkable 52% reduction in energy demand by 2050 is achievable in the UK, all while maintaining a high quality of life. Conducted by a team of experts including John Barrett and Steve Pye, the study emphasizes prioritizing energy demand reduction measures in national climate policy.

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Abstract

This paper develops a bottom-up, whole-system framework to estimate the potential for energy demand reduction in the UK. The framework, applicable to other countries, finds that a 52% reduction in energy demand by 2050 (compared to 2020 levels) is possible without compromising quality of life. This translates to an annual energy demand of 40 GJ per person, significantly lower than current averages. Energy demand reduction reduces reliance on high-risk carbon dioxide removal technologies, moderates investment needs, and allows for increased climate ambition. The paper concludes that national climate policy should prioritize energy demand reduction measures.

Publisher

Nature Energy

Published On

Aug 01, 2022

Authors

John Barrett, Steve Pye, Sam Betts-Davies, Oliver Broad, James Price, Nick Eyre, Jillian Anable, Christian Brand, George Bennett, Rachel Carr-Whitworth, Alice Garvey, Jannik Giesekam, Greg Marsden, Jonathan Norman, Tadj Oreszczyn, Paul Ruyssevelt, Kate Scott

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