Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC)
The Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC) undertakes research for an affordable and secure low energy future. Our interdisciplinary research programme identifies evidence-based energy demand reductions for a sustainable and more equitable future. We work closely with partners from policy, industry, civil society and academia.
Project highlights;
Futures Theme; 'The transition to low energy future will allow us to enhance people’s quality of life whilst also meeting our emissions reduction targets. The Futures theme seeks to understand the complex process of transformative change that will be needed to deliver a large-scale reduction in energy demand'. Futures Theme Lead, Professor John Barrett, University of Leeds
Flexibility Theme; 'Demand-side flexibility means adjusting when and how we use electricity. This is an important part of a Net Zero energy system because it helps use renewable energy sources like solar and wind more effectively. It also has the potential to manage the expected increase in demand from electric vehicles and heating systems'. Flexibility Theme Lead, Professor Jacopo Torriti, University of Reading
Place Theme; 'We see places as active participants in the energy transition. Just as energy demand and carbon consumption is unevenly distributed across the economy, so the transition to zero carbon and lower energy demand futures will happen differently across our communities. The Place Theme focuses on the potential of a place-based lens to accelerate progress by designing place appropriate pathways grounded in the skills, culture, resources, technologies and services of those places'. Place Theme Lead, Professor Greg Marsden, University of Leeds
Governance Theme; 'The Governance theme directly addresses the challenges of delivering a low energy future through an innovative programme working closely across EDRC themes. Through a mix of collaborative methods, this theme addresses how to embed reduced energy demand as a central part of UK’s Net Zero governance across local, regional and national scales'. Governance Theme Lead, Dr Kate Pangbourne, University of Leeds
Equity Theme; 'The delivery of energy demand reductions must result in a more affordable, clean and more equitable low energy system. Urgent action is required to better understand and tackle issues of fuel and transport poverty, so that different types of people in different places can fully access, engage and benefit from the energy transition'. Equity Theme Lead Professor Karen Turner, University of Strathclyde
