Covid-19

The coronavirus (Covid-19) has created the biggest global crisis in generations, sending shock waves through health systems, economies, and societies around the world. Faced with an unprecedented situation, governments are focused on bringing the disease under control and reviving their economies.  

The energy sector was severely affected by repeated lockdowns in 2020, with slowed transport, trade and economic activity across the globe pushing energy use down by 4%. But even as waves of the pandemic continued to roll across the world in 2020, stimulus packages and vaccine roll outs allowed much economic activity to return, and global energy demand was seen rebounding by 4.6% in 2021, taking it above pre-pandemic levels. 

The implications of the pandemic for energy systems and clean energy transitions are still evolving but three areas in particular stand out:

• Energy security remains a cornerstone of our economies especially during turbulent times;
• Electricity security and resilient energy systems are more indispensable than ever for modern societies;
• Clean energy transitions must be at the center of economic recovery and stimulus plans, and renewables were a major bright spot, with wind and solar installations continuing to expand even during the pandemic.

In all these areas, the IEA is focused on bringing data, analysis and real-world solutions to help governments navigate these challenges and build secure and sustainable energy systems.