Today’s energy systems are planned with a generation mindset. Energy demand, transmission, distribution, flexibility and energy efficiency are often considered as added elements and not fully embedded in the planning processes. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for a fast and cost-effective energy transition.
In contraposition, renewable energy provides an incredible opportunity for increasing energy security and guaranteeing resilience to global volatility. When coupled with electrification, flexibility and efficiency measures, renewables can reduce costs and overall primary energy demand.
Therefore, a demand-driven energy system can contribute to optimising energy generation and location of assets, minimising waste, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, while ensuring cost-efficient infrastructure and consumer benefits. Ultimately, it can lead to a more resilient and secure energy system. However, transitioning to such a system raises critical questions:
- Who are the key stakeholders championing or resisting this change?
- What are the enabling conditions?
- What are the main barriers and drivers?
- How should policies be designed to facilitate this shift within the current political environment?
- What knowledge gaps must we address?
This session aims to address these questions and raise awareness for a needed paradigm shift from generation-driven to demand-driven energy services, highlighting opportunities, challenges and pathways for change.
