[Paper Review] Energy-saving technologies and energy efficiency in the post-pandemic world

Wadim Striełkowski, Larisa Gorina+2 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Dec 18, 2023

Blockchain Technology Applications and Security4 citations

TL;DR

This paper investigates energy-saving technologies and energy efficiency in the post-pandemic era, leveraging bibliometric analysis of 12,960 Web of Science publications to assess trends, challenges, and opportunities. It highlights the transformative role of digital innovations—such as the Internet of Energy, peer-to-peer prosumer networks, and AI-powered autonomous power systems—while emphasizing the need for robust policies, technological advancement, and public engagement to achieve sustainable energy resilience.

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the role of energy-saving technologies and energy efficiency in the post-COVID era. The pandemic meant major rethinking of the entrenched patterns in energy saving and efficiency. It also provided opportunities for reevaluating energy consumption for households and industries. In addition, it highlighted the importance of employing digital tools and technologies in energy networks and smart grids (e.g. Internet of Energy (IoE), peer-to-peer (P2P) prosumer networks, or the AI-powered autonomous power systems (APS)). In addition, the pandemic added novel legal aspects to the energy efficiency and energy saving and enhanced inter-national collaborations and partnerships. The paper highlights the importance of energy efficiency measures and examines various technologies that can contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy future. Using the bibliometric network analysis of 12960 publications indexed in Web of Science databases, it demonstrates the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing energy-saving technologies and autonomic power systems in a post-COVID world. Our findings emphasize the need for robust policies, technological advancements, and public engagement to foster energy efficiency and mitigate the environmental impacts of energy consumption.

Motivation & Objective

• To analyze shifts in energy efficiency and energy-saving practices in the post-COVID-19 era.
• To identify emerging technologies and digital tools—such as IoE, P2P prosumer networks, and AI-powered autonomous power systems—that enhance energy efficiency.
• To assess the evolving legal and policy dimensions influencing energy efficiency in a global context.
• To evaluate the role of international collaboration and technological innovation in advancing sustainable energy systems.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for policy, technology, and public engagement to strengthen energy resilience.

Proposed method

• Conducted a bibliometric network analysis of 12,960 publications indexed in the Web of Science database.
• Mapped research trends, key themes, and collaboration patterns in energy efficiency and energy-saving technologies.
• Identified and categorized emerging technologies such as the Internet of Energy (IoE), peer-to-peer (P2P) prosumer networks, and AI-powered autonomous power systems (APS).
• Analyzed the intersection of digital transformation and energy systems, focusing on smart grids and decentralized energy models.
• Evaluated policy and legal developments in energy efficiency through thematic and temporal analysis of scholarly output.
• Synthesized findings to assess the potential benefits and challenges of implementing advanced energy-saving technologies in post-pandemic contexts.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced patterns and priorities in energy efficiency and energy-saving technologies?
• RQ2 What role do digital technologies—such as the Internet of Energy, P2P energy networks, and AI-powered systems—play in enhancing energy efficiency in the post-pandemic era?
• RQ3 What are the key technological, policy, and collaborative trends shaping the future of energy efficiency?
• RQ4 How have international collaborations and legal frameworks evolved in response to energy efficiency challenges post-pandemic?
• RQ5 What are the main barriers and opportunities in scaling up energy-saving technologies for sustainable energy resilience?

Key findings

• The pandemic accelerated the adoption of decentralized and digitally enabled energy systems, particularly peer-to-peer (P2P) prosumer networks and AI-powered autonomous power systems (APS).
• Bibliometric analysis revealed a significant increase in research output on smart grids, digital energy tools, and sustainable energy resilience post-2020.
• The integration of AI and IoT in energy networks (e.g., Internet of Energy) emerged as a key trend, enhancing real-time monitoring and optimization of energy use.
• International collaboration in energy efficiency research intensified, particularly in regions focused on decarbonization and smart infrastructure.
• Policy and legal frameworks related to energy efficiency evolved rapidly, with increased emphasis on regulatory support for digital energy innovations.
• Despite technological promise, challenges remain in scaling energy-saving technologies due to regulatory fragmentation, infrastructure limitations, and uneven public engagement.