Forecasting the future of energy demand
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Technology is transforming the energy sector, yet modelling and policy continues to be based on data from the past. As grids decarbonise, we need new tools to understand rapid energy system change.
Centre for Net Zero is researching and forecasting the future of energy usage, using AI and ML models and international field trials. We share our work and data openly, for the benefit of governments, policy-makers and grid operators.
Our academic papers
Our work
Research
We run international, rigorous field trials with customers to simulate future energy scenarios - expanding the global evidence base in behavioural science and energy economics.
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Technologies
We encode future energy behaviours into dynamic and granular data, models and tools powered by advanced AI and ML - available via open access.
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Impact
We take insights from our research to campaign for policies and open data initiatives that can unlock tech-led decarbonisation at speed, across multiple markets.
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The amount of renewable capacity added to global energy system in 2024
An increase of 15% compared to the year before, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
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The increase in global demand flexibility capacity needed by 2030
If we're to effectively harness the growing amount of renewable power, according to the IEA's Net Zero Scenario - which mandates 500 GW of demand response brought onto the market by 2030.
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Benefits of a flexible energy system in the UK by 2035
Fully flexible heating and transport alone amount to significant savings to the system, every year, according to modelling by Centre for Net Zero - based on the system operator's Future Energy Scenarios.
Latest news
The Economist: How Managing Energy Demand Got Glamorous
What is the value of domestic flexibility to energy systems? CNZ's modelling features in The Economist's latest article on decentralised energy systems and VPPs
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Volts: How is decarbonization going in the UK?
David Roberts dives into the UK's decarbonisation journey with Lucy Yu, covering offshore wind, energy market reform, community ownership models & more.
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The Times: 'Flexibility is not optional'
CNZ's Director of External Affairs is interviewed by The Times about the importance of demand flexibility as we decarbonise energy systems.
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