COVID-19 Impact on Global Electricity Generation Structure-Based on Sustainable Development Perspective

Area of Science:

• Energy Economics
• Environmental Science
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented global lockdowns.
• These measures significantly impacted energy consumption patterns and the energy market structure.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for sustainable development strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the short-term and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on energy consumption.
• To investigate the effect of the pandemic on the share of renewable energy in electricity generation.
• To explore the differential impact based on country development levels.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of International Energy Agency (IEA) data on electricity production and consumption.
• Comparative analysis of energy market dynamics during the pandemic.
• Assessment of pandemic effects across countries with varying economic development.

Main Results:

• Short-term: Decreased total electricity consumption and increased renewable energy share.
• Long-term: Detrimental impact on the proportion of renewable energy, especially in heavily affected nations.
• Economic development level significantly influences a country's resilience to such shocks.

Conclusions:

• While short-term energy consumption shifts occurred, long-term pandemic effects pose challenges to renewable energy growth.
• Sustainable development requires more than reduced human activity; it necessitates supporting lower-income nations.
• Targeted support for developing countries is essential for global energy transformation and climate change mitigation.