Reshaping energy demand to end fossil fuel dependence
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Global energy systems are rapidly transforming. Clean energy is increasingly abundant - particularly from the sun and wind - but we’re failing to fully harness it. Fossil fuels continue to shape prices, emissions, and investment, slowing the progress of the transition and raising costs for consumers.
Centre for Net Zero is proving how flexible demand can change this. Using advanced modelling and real-world trials, we generate open evidence and deploy flexibility at scale. This enables policymakers and system operators to accelerate electrification and build smart energy systems that make fossil fuels redundant.
Latest papers
Our work
Modelling
Our modelling analyses how flexible demand can minimise fossil fuel use, reduce marginal emissions and costs, and improve grid efficiency under different system conditions. It quantifies where and when flexibility has the greatest effect, providing evidence for policy, market design, and future system planning.
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Research
Our field experiments and randomised controlled trials measure how different consumers adopt low-carbon technologies and optimise their energy use, including through the use of automation and AI. This generates novel empirical evidence on the scale, reliability, and distributional characteristics of flexible demand.
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Impact
Drawing on the insights from our modelling and trials, we deploy flexibility at scale to show what happens when demand is treated as an active part of the system. We publish our research openly and work closely with policymakers, system operators, and innovators to turn evidence into system change.
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Latest news
BusinessGreen: A permanent discount - why solar and batteries deserve a frontline role in tackling fuel poverty
CNZ's latest oped in Business Green discusses trial findings on the key benefits that solar and battery technology can provide households in the UK.
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Energy Revolution Podcast: The Grid We Need Now
Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett interviews CNZ CEO, Lucy Yu, on her Independent Review as HM Government AI Champion for Clean Energy.
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The Times: Solar panels and a battery cut energy bills by two thirds
The Times covers CNZ's research into the impact of residential rooftop solar and batteries on energy consumption and bills in vulnerable households.
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