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The Impact of COVID-19 on the Energy Sector and the Role of AI: An Analytical Review on Pre- to Post-Pandemic Perspectives

Author

Listed:
  • Siti Rosilah Arsad

    (Department of Electrical & Electronics, College of Engineering, Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia)

  • Muhamad Haziq Hasnul Hadi

    (Department of Electrical & Electronics, College of Engineering, Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia)

  • Nayli Aliah Mohd Afandi

    (Department of Electrical & Electronics, College of Engineering, Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia)

  • Pin Jern Ker

    (Department of Electrical & Electronics, College of Engineering, Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia)

  • Shirley Gee Hoon Tang

    (Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia)

  • Madihah Mohd Afzal

    (Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia)

  • Santhi Ramanathan

    (Faculty of Business, Multimedia University, Malacca 75450, Malaysia)

  • Chai Phing Chen

    (Department of Electrical & Electronics, College of Engineering, Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia)

  • Prajindra Sankar Krishnan

    (Department of Electrical & Electronics, College of Engineering, Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia)

  • Sieh Kiong Tiong

    (Department of Electrical & Electronics, College of Engineering, Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global energy markets and caused significant socio-economic impacts worldwide, including the energy sector due to lockdowns and restricted economic activity. This paper presents a comprehensive and analytical review of the impact of COVID-19 on the energy sector and explores the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mitigating its effects. This review examines the changes in energy demand patterns during the pre-, mid-, and post-pandemic periods, analyzing their implications for the energy industries, including policymaking, communication, digital technology, energy conversion, the environment, energy markets, and power systems. Additionally, we explore how AI can enhance energy efficiency, optimize energy use, and reduce energy wastage. The potential of AI in developing sustainable energy systems is discussed, along with the challenges it poses in the energy sector’s response to the pandemic. The recommendations for AI applications in the energy sector for the transition to a more sustainable energy future, with examples drawn from previous successful studies, are outlined. Information corroborated in this review is expected to provide important guidelines for crafting future research areas and directions in preparing the energy sector for any unforeseen circumstances or pandemic-like situations.

Suggested Citation

  • Siti Rosilah Arsad & Muhamad Haziq Hasnul Hadi & Nayli Aliah Mohd Afandi & Pin Jern Ker & Shirley Gee Hoon Tang & Madihah Mohd Afzal & Santhi Ramanathan & Chai Phing Chen & Prajindra Sankar Krishnan &, 2023. "The Impact of COVID-19 on the Energy Sector and the Role of AI: An Analytical Review on Pre- to Post-Pandemic Perspectives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-31, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:18:p:6510-:d:1236546
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