Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reduction of electricity demand and the integration of renewable energy into the power grid

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative influence on energy consumption in 2020. On April 7, 2020, response to the rapid spread of infection, Japanese government imposed state emergency. This action impacted consumption, production, and electricity prices. study compares impact reduction load demand renewable Japan public power grid under emergency declaration (April May 2020). Using publicly available data, comparisons are made for Kyushu, Tokyo, Kansai, Hokkaido assessed relation epidemic severity geographical distribution. results can be summarized as follows. (1) profiles amounts different areas. Tokyo shows largest share reduced load, followed by Hokkaido. was mainly seen during day, which reflects differences people's activities relative same period 2019. (2) Different means dispatch, including generators, storage systems, transmission lines used compared terms responses changes profile. (3) overall fall total change sequence affected integration curtailment photovoltaic generation consequentially caused price drop. paper clarifies effects grids Japan. Further, it establishes policymakers development energy.