COVID-19 Pandemic: Smart Energy Solutions and A Transition to the Hydrogen Age

Energy has always received the highest attention by humankind throughout the history. It did shape the past, is shaping the present and will shape the future. Throughout the history, it has played a critical role in the formation of wars, fears and peace. The importance and need for energy are known by every individual. On the other hand, with the increasing utilization of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) used to meet the energy needs, many problems related to air, water and food have arisen in the world, and these problems have significantly affected both human health and human welfare. The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak we encountered in 2020 has shown that people need cleaner air, cleaner water, cleaner food and cleaner energy than ever before. These needs are making the transition from the carbon age, in which hydrocarbon fuel use has been primary, to the hydrogen age, where the use of hydrogen energy will increase. The purpose of this article is to define smart energy solutions and to provide a unique viewpoint related to how the COVID-19 coronavirus has changed the energy situation and what opportunities it has brought in.