Impact of global disruptions on energy supply chains: Case studies and future outlook
1 Independent Researcher, Nigeria.
2 The Shell Petroleum Development Company, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
3 Shell (Den Haag, Netherlands).
4 Independent Researcher, Nebraska, USA.
Review
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Updates, 2022, 04(01), 016–034.
Article DOI: 10.53430/ijmru.2022.4.1.0058
Publication history:
Received on 11 October 2022; revised on 25 November 2022; accepted on 28 November 2022
Abstract:
The energy supply chain is a critical component of global infrastructure, connecting resource extraction, production, and distribution systems to meet the ever-growing demand for energy. However, global disruptions, including geopolitical conflicts, pandemics, and extreme weather events, have significantly impacted the stability and efficiency of energy supply chains. This study examines the effects of these disruptions through case studies and provides insights into strategies for enhancing resilience and adaptability in the energy sector. Key disruptions analyzed include the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused unprecedented logistical bottlenecks, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which highlighted vulnerabilities in energy dependency and supply diversification. Additionally, climate-related events such as hurricanes and floods have strained infrastructure and disrupted operations. The study identifies recurring themes, such as the need for diversification of supply sources, investment in renewable energy, and the implementation of advanced digital technologies for risk management. A major focus is placed on the role of digital transformation in mitigating disruption impacts. Tools like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are shown to enhance real-time tracking, predictive maintenance, and decision-making. Policy frameworks and international collaboration also emerge as critical factors in addressing global disruptions, particularly for regions heavily reliant on energy imports. The findings highlight the importance of proactive strategies, such as building robust contingency plans, fostering regional cooperation, and accelerating the transition to renewable energy systems. Case studies of countries and companies that successfully navigated recent disruptions underscore the effectiveness of these approaches. Looking ahead, the study outlines a future outlook where energy supply chains leverage emerging technologies, prioritize sustainability, and integrate geopolitical risk assessments into operational planning. These measures will be essential for ensuring energy security and resilience in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Keywords:
Energy Supply Chains; Global Disruptions; Resilience; Digital Transformation; Renewable Energy; Geopolitical Conflicts; Climate Change; Sustainability; Supply Diversification; Risk Management.
Full text article in PDF:
Copyright information:
Copyright © 2022 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0