From energy crisis to energy security: Actions for policy makers

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April 13, 2026, 20:25

In response to the energy crisis in the Middle East, this IRENA brief provides key actions and considerations for policy makers. ISBN: 978-92-9260-726-5


Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 13 April 2026 - The strategic deployment of renewables has provided enhanced resilience in the face of the current energy crisis by a number of countries, according to a new policy advisory from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The brief, aimed at policy makers responding to the disruption in international energy markets, suggests a set of immediate and longer-term actions to insulate countries and communities from the worst effects of the crisis, and steer their economic recovery towards greater energy security and resilience.

The present energy crisis stemming from the conflict in the Middle East re-iterates the inherent structural weakness and vulnerability of national energy systems that remain reliant upon fossil fuels, and markets where the costs of oil and gas are highly influential on electricity prices. There is an immediate opportunity, however, to urgently reassess these fundamentals and prioritise reactions that enhance long-term energy stability.

This IRENA policy advisory provides key short- medium- and long-term actions for policy makers responding to the present crisis.

Policy makers must urgently consider intervening to direct investment and emergency responses to accelerate the deployment of renewable power generation capacity, and the electrification of energy-consuming processes and sectors.

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