Like a bat out of hell part one: Energy implications

The first of a five-part series from the BRG energy and climate practice analyses the impact of Covid-19 on the global economy and the demand for and supply of energy

By any measure, the social and economic impact of Covid-19 will be extremely high. Like the bats from which this disease apparently originated, global policymakers have been forced to fly in the dark in their initial efforts to vanquish the virus. Lacking adequate testing and proven vaccines, governments have so far resorted to mandatory social distancing and quarantines. But these measures come at an exceptionally high cost. The combination of multinational and national resources committed to ensure financial stability and provide fiscal stimulus amounted to $6.3tn for G20 countries as of 29 April, and more relief is on the way. These investments in stability come at the same time as govern