IEA Launches Global Energy Resilience Observatory

The International Energy Agency (IEA) launched the Global Energy Resilience Observatory on November 11, 2026, to help governments and businesses identify risks to energy infrastructure, including natural disasters, extreme weather, cyberattacks and sabotage. As electricity demand grows, the risk of supply disruptions to energy systems is drawing greater attention.

The IEA said it has recorded about 3,000 power outages linked to extreme weather and natural hazards in more than 150 countries since 2022. These incidents have temporarily disrupted electricity supply to an average of about 190 million customers each year.

Candles are lit inside a shop during a widespread power outage in Barcelona, Spain.（VietVance）

The observatory will serve as a data and analysis hub, helping policymakers and businesses identify vulnerable energy infrastructure, assess risks and develop measures to reduce their impact. It will initially focus on electricity systems. The IEA plans to gradually expand its monitoring to the entire energy sector and provide more detailed data on the causes and effects of power outages to inform policy and investment decisions.

The initiative aims to support the Global Electrification 35-35 Pledge proposed by the president of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31). Laura Cozzi, the IEA’s Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks, said strengthening energy system resilience has become urgent amid threats including cyberattacks, sabotage and extreme weather. The new observatory will provide data to support policy decisions and investment in energy security.

Source: VietVance