At the time that all driving forces of renewable energy have been weakened by COVID-19, RE itself seems flourishing. High oil prices, environmental crises, and increasing energy demand have been the driving forces for the rapid growth of renewable energy worldwide during the last decade or so. All these forces have seen dramatic decline since the beginning of the virus crisis. Economic growth has reversed toward a worldwide recession. Consequently, the energy demand has reduced, leading to a surplus in the oil production and reduced price. In addition, with the slowdown of economy and transportation the global warming and air pollution may lose their positive reasoning for RE. Nevertheless, RE has not been negatively impacted much by the crisis. In fact as the IEA has reported, RE is on the rise. What would be the secret of this unexpected trend?

S. Vaez-Zadeh,

Subject Editor, IET Renewable Power Generation

Energy Policy Researcher