IEA launches Global Observatory to help strengthen energy sector resilience

The IEA today launched the Global Observatory on Energy Sector Resilience, a first-of-its-kind hub for data and analysis to help governments and industry around the world understand where energy infrastructure is exposed to risks – ranging from natural hazards to malicious attacks – and what they can do to reduce the risks of disruption.

Launched in support of the COP31 Presidency’s 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge, the Observatory’s first instalment focuses on the importance of strengthening power system resilience as the world becomes more electrified.

Since 2022, the IEA has tracked around 3,000 reported power outages linked to extreme weather and other natural hazards across more than 150 countries. These incidents have temporarily left an average of around 190 million electricity customers without power each year. The Observatory will expand its tracking of disruptions over time, covering the entirety of the energy sector and providing more detailed information on the causes and impacts of individual outages.

Beyond tracking existing disruptions, the Observatory also includes a global atlas that maps energy infrastructure exposure to floods, tropical cyclones and extreme heat. IEA analysis finds that around 30% of electricity assets worldwide are exposed to tropical cyclones of varying intensity, while around 20% are exposed to extended periods of extreme heat. More than 10% are located in floodplains. Other hazards can also disrupt electricity supply, as explored in a recent IEA commentary on how grids are managing wildfire risk.

“As risks to energy systems multiply – from cyber threats and malicious attacks to extreme weather – strengthening resilience is an urgent priority,” said Laura Cozzi, IEA Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks. “The Global Energy Resilience Observatory provides a new, comprehensive evidence base to inform decisions and investment in energy resilience and security.”

To help governments and industry act on these risks, the Observatory provides an inventory of resilience measures – more than 130 with this first release – including case studies and references covering different types of infrastructure and hazards. The inventory will be updated over time and covers measures ranging from changes to governance and system design to reinforcement of physical infrastructure, operating practices and improved monitoring. Some measures can address several risks at once while improving day-to-day operations.

The Observatory responds to calls made at the IEA’s October 2025 High-Level Roundtable on Strengthening Energy Infrastructure Resilience, where ministers and decision makers highlighted the need for better data on the impacts of extreme weather and other risks to energy systems, as well as the need for closer cooperation to prepare for future disruptions.

As a living resource, the Observatory will continue to evolve over time, with the IEA broadening its coverage of disruptions, hazards and infrastructure and supporting governments and industry to prioritise key actions to strengthen energy sector resilience.