COVID-19 and the global shift progress to clean energy

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with an unprecedented global emergency that severely threatens the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to this existential crisis, state governments have taken drastic containment measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The consequential lockdowns have disrupted production and economic activity and had profound impacts on major industries. The heightened financial risk has significantly slowed down new investments while stoking fears of a looming economic recession. Indeed, the pandemic-induced strong reduction in global demand has resulted in sharp falls in energy prices leading to a temporary market distortion that may impede progress in the deployment of new renewable energy projects. Besides, some countries could be at risk of falling short of their 2020 national binding targets given the lack of effective policies required to facilitate new renewable energy investments. Considering the present impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global energy market, there are opportunities to highlight the important role of renewables while making the case for clean energy investments, especially in the electricity sector. This review aims to provide important insights by analyzing the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global energy market. On the other hand, sustainable energy strategies are also discussed in detail. Finally, lessons learned amidst the costly battle against this invisible enemy could help policymakers and government leaders in identifying the appropriate renewable energy paths for their countries in a post-pandemic future.