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Decarbonizing the energy supply one pandemic at a time

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  • Russo, M.A.
  • Ruivo, L.
  • Carvalho, D.
  • Martins, N.
  • Monteiro, A.

Abstract

This study explores different energy consumption vectors during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. Most of the workforce started working from home and resource consumption significantly shifted towards the domestic sector. The ensuing confinement protocols caused a shift in everyday life, which in turn significantly altered the energy supply and demand landscape. This event, although catastrophic in terms of loss of human life and economic development, can provide us with valuable data to study the potential of new strategies to achieve EU 2050 Energy goals. It was investigated whether the pandemic has opened a path and provided us with a partial answer to decarbonization in the form of home office practices as a possible energy efficiency measure. The present study shows that, in Portugal, there was a 15.7% reduction of primary energy consumption (accounting for electricity, natural gas and transport fuels) compared to 2019. The data suggest that actions targeting reduced mobility, such as home office practices and the decentralization of the workforce, could be a relevant energy efficiency measure.

Suggested Citation

  • Russo, M.A. & Ruivo, L. & Carvalho, D. & Martins, N. & Monteiro, A., 2021. "Decarbonizing the energy supply one pandemic at a time," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:159:y:2021:i:c:s0301421521005097
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112644
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Qiu, Lei & Wang, Xiaoyang & Wei, Jia, 2023. "Energy security and energy management: The role of extreme natural events," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 2(2).
    3. Alfonso Marino & Paolo Pariso & Michele Picariello, 2023. "Energy use and End-use Technologies: Organizational and Energy Analysis in Italian Hospitals," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 13(3), pages 36-45, May.

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