Energy, Explained
An attempt to demystify the energy value chain, focusing on fundamentals, next-generation technologies, geopolitics, and more.
Energy is the foundation of our society and yet woefully misunderstood. Let’s change that.
As someone with an education and career focused on studying and deploying systems that transfer heat and/or electrons, I have witnessed multiple watershed moments in the past half-decade. From crude oil prices dipping below $0/bbl1 to Big Tech reviving nuclear reactors2, the energy landscape is experiencing upheaval at an unbelievable pace and scale.
One day, I suddenly realized: If I find myself struggling to grasp all that is happening in and around energy, how is someone with no prior exposure supposed to make sense of it all? For starters, energy is so much more than just electricity. In fact, electricity usage accounts for only 20% of our global primary energy consumption3. Think about that. Energy dictates all aspects of modern life, yet we are rarely taught about the systems that generate, move, store, and use energy. I aim to educate both you and myself about these systems and processes.
What I cover
Fundamentals of energy and its supply chain
Global and/or regional trends in the production and consumption of energy
The past, present, and future of energy
I expect many of my posts to come across like this:
And that’s totally fine with me (so don’t say I didn’t warn you!). The story of energy is, to me, the story of humanity. We have witnessed exponential growth in energy usage since the 1700s, but I believe we’re just getting started. I will tie in events from the past and from other sectors to provide context around the present.
Some housekeeping:
I aim to post once every two weeks (I’m 26 and the word “biweekly” still baffles me. Why does it mean twice a week and twice a month?!).
I am always open to content ideas. Please e-mail me or send me a Twitter/X DM at @jashvora17 with suggestions.
I hope you’ll join me on this journey. I guarantee you that viewing the world through the lens of energy will help us make sense of almost every other space. At the very least, you will receive a brief history lesson or two. Alright, that’s all from me. I leave you with this from Albert Einstein:
Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it.
https://oilprice.com/oil-price-charts/. Oil prices tell their own story of global history. I encourage you to spend some time on this website.
https://www.constellationenergy.com/newsroom/2024/Constellation-to-Launch-Crane-Clean-Energy-Center-Restoring-Jobs-and-Carbon-Free-Power-to-The-Grid.html
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/electricity-as-a-share-of-primary-energy
Great article Jash. Call me as I want to catch up with you