Dan Hewitt
About this episode
As incomes and temperatures rise around the world, demand for cooling is soaring. And while expanding access to air conditioning stands to improve quality of life for millions of people, it is also putting new strain on electricity systems during hot periods.
In this episode, we hear from Brian Motherway, who leads the IEA’s work on energy efficiency. He walks through the latest global data on air conditioning demand, the consequences for energy affordability and reliability, and what governments can do to help.
Speakers
Brian Motherway
Brian Motherway
Brian Motherway is Head of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Inclusive Transitions at the IEA. He leads the Agency’s analytical and outreach programmes on energy efficiency worldwide, including a global programme of capacity building and engagement. He also oversees the Agency’s work on people-centred transitions, focusing on the social dimensions of energy policies, such as skills, social inclusion and energy affordability. Before joining the IEA, Brian was Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. He holds degrees in sociology and in engineering.
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