Flattening the Energy Curve

Partners: EURIMA, International Copper Association Europe

Funder: European Climate Foundation

To achieve the EU’s ambitious target of a 90–95% emissions reduction by 2040, energy affordability, social and household impacts, and industrial considerations must be carefully addressed. Without effective measures, the transition risks creating financial and structural challenges for consumers and industries alike. Energy efficiency measures play a crucial role in reducing energy demand, stabilizing prices, and ensuring a just transition. However, a comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine their effectiveness in reducing generation needs, managing peak demand, and influencing energy costs across different sectors. Supported by the EEE consortium, this project leverages the PyPSA-Eur integrated energy system planning tool to analyze the impact of various renovation scenarios, energy management strategies, and demand-side flexibility measures.

The study provides insights into how individual and combined efficiency measures can optimize the energy system while maintaining affordability and reliability. The findings will inform data-driven decision-making in energy policy and planning, helping stakeholders implement the most effective strategies for emissions reduction. By offering a clear understanding of efficiency measures’ benefits, this research will support a more sustainable, cost-effective, and socially equitable energy transition across Europe.

Report and Project Website

Academic Article

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Project Aims

Quantify the impact of building renovation and flexibility on peak heat demand.

Assess how peak demand reduction affects electricity system costs, grid congestion, and renewable integration.

Compare several pathways with different renovation levels such as business-as-usual with electrification, limited renovation, widespread renovation, and widespread renovation with electrification.

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Yerbol Akhmetov

Energy System Modeler | Power-to-X

Dr. Ekaterina Fedotova

Senior Energy System Modeler

Dr. Martha Maria Frysztacki

Head of Energy System Modeling, Co-Founder

Team Lead