High resolution electrochemical imaging methods provide opportunities to study localized phenomena on electrode surfaces. Here, we review recent advances in scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to study materials involved in (electrocatalytic) energy-related applications. In particular, we discuss SECM as a powerful screening technique and also advances in novel techniques based on micro- and nanopipets, such as the scanning micropipet contact method and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy and their use in energy-related research.