IEA Chief: "Facing the Largest Energy Security Threat in History"

by Hwang Yoonju

Published 24 Apr.2026 00:38(KST)

"Nuclear Power to Rise, Renewables Also Set to Grow"

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News Agency

Fatih Birol, Secretary-General of the International Energy Agency (IEA), stated on the 23rd (local time), "We are currently facing the largest energy security threat in history."

Secretary-General Birol participated via video link at a conference hosted by CNBC in Singapore on the same day, where he said, "Currently, we have lost 13 million barrels of crude oil supply per day, and there are also massive disruptions in the supply of key raw materials."

Regarding the long-term impact of the Iran war on energy markets, he said, "I expect nuclear power to rise," and added, "Renewable energies such as solar and wind power will also see strong growth, and electric vehicles will benefit as well."

He also expressed concern, saying, "In particular, coal usage may be highlighted again and could return to an upward trend in some Asian countries."

Previously, Secretary-General Birol had warned that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would be "the largest energy crisis we have ever experienced," and that it would have a significant impact on the global economy.