The Energy Transition after COVID-19

This research paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the energy sector in emerging economies and developing countries, arguing that economic recovery should be aligned with climate and development goals to ensure a 'green recovery'.

• The COVID-19 crisis has caused substantial and diverse effects on the energy sector, including a drop in energy demand, changes in how energy is used, and an increased risk of energy poverty due to lower incomes. Without policy intervention, this is expected to increase energy insecurity for businesses and vulnerable households.
• Analysis of government responses in Indonesia, Kenya, Thailand, Mexico, and South Africa reveals common challenges: households facing energy security issues (partially addressed by free or discounted electricity for entry-level connections), businesses struggling with cashflow and inflexible energy expenses, and state-owned utilities requiring capital injections to manage losses and balance sheet stress.
• Using Indonesia as a case study, the paper notes that the pandemic has magnified existing vulnerabilities and injustices within the energy system, making the resolution of these 'pre-existing conditions' more urgent for a successful green recovery.
• The authors propose three strategies for governments to strengthen their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): making green recovery a central tenet of the energy sector, committing to accelerated full decarbonisation by realigning national targets, and addressing existing energy system weaknesses to prevent social injustices and transition roadblocks.

APA

NewClimate Institute (2021). The Energy Transition after COVID-19. http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/the-energy-transition-after-covid-19

Chicago

NewClimate Institute. The Energy Transition after COVID-19. 2021. http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/the-energy-transition-after-covid-19.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=NewClimate Institute |title=The Energy Transition after COVID-19 |date=24 February 2021 |url=http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/the-energy-transition-after-covid-19 |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{newclimateinstitute2021energy, author = {{NewClimate Institute}}, title = {{The Energy Transition after COVID-19}}, institution = {NewClimate Institute}, year = {2021}, month = feb, url = {http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/the-energy-transition-after-covid-19}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }