The progress, impact analysis, challenges and new perceptions for electric power and energy sectors in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Understanding the COVID-19 crisis that arose in 2019 is a significant important case study to prepare scenarios and meet electrical energy consumption and high renewable energy production (REP), especially in the context of the power systems. Although many researchers have investigated the medical field and electric power sectors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, critical factors affecting the development of the REP like electric demand, power system, electric markets, economy, and environment have are still not studied in great detail. In this perspective, this paper analyses the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the development of the REP, electrical energy consumption, power system maintenance, electric markets, energy demand, ongoing investment projects/investment plans, economy and renewable energy sectors. Estimation of energy demand based on cooling degree days (CDDs) and heating degree days (HDDs) methods has been examined and contrasted with the same period in prior years to observe electricity consumption Besides, climate change and energy efficiency or energy intensity related to the energy demand have been investigated and analysed before and following the pandemic. Some important energy statistical data is addressed and examined in detail. In addition to these, various critical factors such as driver and barrier forces affecting the REP has been discussed during lockdown restrictions of the COVID-19. These findings will help researchers and academicians to analyse the far-reaching implications of the COVID-19 outbreak on the energy demand and contribute to figuring out and plan higher renewables share scenarios and power system management issues.