Solar and wind power is growing worldwide, but so is electricity consumption: as a result, renewables are often only added to the energy mix, rather than replacing fossil fuels.
Reducing energy demand would make net zero more achievable, but it recieves far less attention than decarbonisation efforts. This may be due to a perception that managing energy demand would be politically unpopular, requiring governments to make radical interventions into people’s lifestyles and spending.
Oliver Broad, Senior Research Fellow at University College London, tells Alasdair that such fears are unfounded. His team’s research found that the UK could reduce energy demand by 52% without new tech or overly disruptive societal change, and has worked with policymakers and public focus groups to demonstrate political acceptability.
The 2000 watt goal could probably be reached easily with more focus on efficient appliances and usage.
For example, many people have massive upright refrigerators that are mostly empty space with features that reduce efficiency, like having an ice dispenser in the front (this usually compromises the door insulation) or a cheap “anti-condensation system” that adds heat to the interior, thus counteracting the main point of refrigeration. Using a smaller fridge, or a top-opening one (so the entire volume of cold air isn’t lost into the room every time it’s opened) and avoiding “features” that increase power usage would go a long way to reducing constant power usage.
Unfortunately once the government or agencies start telling people what sort of fridge they should buy, people who don’t understand why will start complaining about the “nanny state” interfering in people’s private lives.