The global coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on how much and what type of energy we use globally.
During the height of lockdown in 2020, every day was like Sunday in terms of energy use.
So dramatic was the impact of factories, shops and offices being shut down at the height of the global coronavirus pandemic, energy use fell to levels typically seen on the traditional day of rest.
An easing of restrictions brought about a rise in demand in June and July, and energy prices followed suit as a result.
By August, the sustained recovery meant that demand for power in EU countries was similar to that seen in 2019 when terms like ‘social distancing’ had yet to find their way into our everyday language.
In October, the demand curve continued in an upwardly direction but this was negatively impacted once a second wave occurred and restrictions on movement and workplace practices were tightened up again.
The end of the year, however, was marked by a recovery of electricity demand, now above 2019 levels after weather adjustment.
And now that measures have eased even further, in the UK at least, there will inevitably be extra demand for electricity as restaurant and pub kitchens start to cater for indoor dining.
With overseas travel now back on the agenda, to certain parts of the world, transport hubs like airports will also draw on the grid much more heavily than before.
In addition to price volatility, lockdown had a significant impact on the power mix. Across all major regions, this shifted towards renewables due to low operating costs and priority access to the grid through regulations.
Electricity demand and mix went back to previous trends with previous lockdown relaxation, the International Energy Agency reports, and analysts will be keeping a keen eye to see if that is mirrored in 2021.
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