Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the energy sector
Hongfang Lü, Xin Ma, Minda Ma
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a considerable impact on every industrial sector. As a pillar of economic development, the energy sector is experiencing difficult times during the global pandemic. This paper reviews the impact of the pandemic on the global energy sector in terms of demand, price, employment, government policy, counter-measures, and academic research, and focuses on the two largest energy countries in the world: China and the United States. Although the virus has dramatically impacted the energy sector, action to address climate issues has not been suspended, but has become more urgent than ever. Experts have pointed out that it is time to promote the transition to clean energy vigorously. Thus, here we discuss progress towards clean energy transition, including bioenergy, mineral resources for clean energy techniques, batteries, and electrolyzers. The results indicate that supply chain stability, energy storage, and policymaking during the epidemic period and post-epidemic period are significant challenges for the transition to clean energy. However, the transition can also bring new opportunities for employment, economic recovery, and the human living environment.