The pandemic has not spared anyone
Published on May 19, 2020 by Rohit Tyagi
As COVID-19 spreads across the world, number of confirmed cases crossed 3.5 million with over 0.2 million deaths. China has reported a fall in the number of new COVID-19 cases for the first time to ‘below 10’ in the first week of May 2020. However, it continues to witness new infections as people return back to China.
Oil prices have continued to drop as demand reduces due to COVID-19. Oil prices hit their lowest in 1Q of USD20.09 per barrel (WTI) and are still showing high volatility. Overall, energy companies are seeking support from governments to offer payment breaks to large consumers struggling to pay bills amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Amid COVID-19 related disruption in the energy sector, we think that renewables can play an integral role in reviving an economy. Hence, the sector will likely attract new investments and potentially create new jobs through suitable policy and legislative support. Also, the disruption in supply from China would lead countries to focus on locally manufacturing of PV panels, batteries and other equipment in the long run.
Below are 5 charts that summarize the world scenario in the Energy sector:
Status of COVID-19 crisis in the top 15 countries (contributing more than 75% of the world’s GDP) as of 5th May, 2020
Based on the World Bank’s preliminary assessment, the potential impact of COVID-19 on global GDP in illustrative scenarios is 3.9%
Impact on Oil prices
Impact on Power and renewables
Impact on Energy and Utilities
Based on an assessment of the global energy market amid the COVID-19 crisis, the following are our recommendations for energy companies to weather the situation.
- Operations
- Manpower
- Customers
- Investments
Adapting to the new normal
We believe COVID-19 will have a deep impact on how we do business around the world. Energy and Utility firms will need to be agile to adapt to this new normal of business as they rethink their strategy for 2020.
Here is where Acuity Knowledge Partners can help you navigate through these challenging times. Our global offices can enable you to handle business demand and uncertainties with ease. Currently, we are helping many of our clients with our understanding of the market to chart their 2020 strategy.
To help our clients navigate both the people and business impact of COVID-19, we have created a dedicated hub containing a variety of topics including our latest thinking, thought leadership content and action oriented guides and best practices.
About the Author
Rohit is aligned with Acuity’s, Strategy Research and Consulting team with an experience of over 10 (ten) years in managing and executing projects in different sectors including Energy, Infrastructure and Power etc.
Rohit has a diverse experience of working with stakeholders across the value chain including project developers, regulators, policy makers, financial institutes, investment agencies etc. with focus on strategy and operations, new investments, deal advisory, suggesting market entry strategies, business plans, process transformations, operation strategy, pitch documents, implementation support etc. for diverse players in Asia, Africa and Europe.
Prior to joining Acuity, Rohit has worked for one of the big-4 consulting firm and other boutique management consulting firms.
Rohit holds a Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A) with specialization in Energy from University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (U.P.E.S) and a Bachelors in Engineering (B.E) from M.D.U, India
