Part museum. Part library. Part business school. Energyphile uses our energy past to spark discussion about our energy present and future. By Peter Tertzakian.

Joined November 2016
At the turn of the century, electric vehicles outsold gas-powered cars. What happened? An interesting look at the history of #EVs, the conditions that have changed since their introduction and where they sit now on the adoption S-curve. Watch the video: dw.com/en/the-century-long-r…
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Sometimes, hijacking an existing technology’s infrastructure can hasten an energy transition, as with this electric gas valve from the late 1800s. See how it was used to convert gas lighting to electric: philespace.energyphile.org/v…
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From horse-drawn buggies to gas-powered vehicles — the step change in mobility was stunning. For a company to pivot from old world to new, a mindset change is as critical as the technology shifts. “Reinventing the Wheel” looks at one company’s success: energyphile.org/reinventing-…
Electrifying transportation is tricky business. This @CNN article provides a great example — from a convenience store’s POV. Spotty EV uptake is cited as one of the challenges. Yet if the infrastructure isn’t there … It’s the old “which comes first?” cnn.com/2022/10/18/business/…
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What happens when the energy a nation depends on is abruptly threatened? Innovation. From policy changes to energy-saving windows to solar panels on public buildings, the Arab oil embargo prompted advances in tech, architecture and policy in the US. bit.ly/3TOWYhU
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Adoption of a new technology depends on cost, quality and how well it satisfies a human need. The Model T nailed all three, and adoption was swift. EVs are having a tougher time displacing gas-powered vehicles because many of us already have our transportation needs met.
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However, adoption of EVs appears to have reached its tipping point. Policy is helping. Biden’s $2.8B in grants for mineral production and manufacturing is an example. “The Great Aha” explores some variables that inform transitions to new technologies: energyphile.org/the-great-ah…
Like the jump from horse-drawn carriages to gas-powered vehicles, the world is facing a new transition in transportation — to #electricvehicles. But this transition isn’t quite the no-brainer that last one was. Find out why in “The Great Aha”: energyphile.org/the-great-ah…
It took 25 years for Edison’s electrical grid to reach 5% of US households — that was the tipping point. What are the tipping points for #cleantech today? Thanks to research from @business we can identify tipping points for 10 #cleanenergy technologies. ow.ly/JFW650LjFtE
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Last week, @BillGates published his annual memo on the journey to zero emissions, including why the energy transition is so hard. His message highlights how the six primary forces of change must be at work if we’re to see an energy evolution. Read it here: ow.ly/ukzg50Lizmv
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Across NA and Europe, localized efforts to electrify commercial and public transportation are afoot, like Amazon’s investment. But commercial transport makes up ~43% of the whole sector’s #GHG emissions — wide-scale adoption is required. What will it take? ow.ly/sr7L50LgRk2
“I’m in Italy, where the crowds recall a pre-pandemic bustle. But it takes only a short chat with locals to hear about the debilitating price of #energy and the fear of winter shortages – a fear many in the #EU face. In response, countries are introducing conservation measures.
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Conservation isn’t a new thing — as this vignette shows — but when it creates personal discomfort, adoption becomes more challenging. We need governmental policy to support affordable and secure energy.” ~ @PTertzakian #PetersPickoftheWeek #energytwitter philespace.energyphile.org/v…
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In the face of the European energy crisis, we’re seeing a regressive #energy transition with the return to coal. While electric blankets aren’t “regressive,” they are a cheap way to stay warm. What alternatives would you adopt? ow.ly/PW5c50L9rFp
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