Until the Industrial Revolution, biomass ruled the energy kingdom. Then came coal, reigning over the top spot until the mid-20th century. Petroleum succeeded coal, but not for long. At the turn of the 21st century, electricity took over as the largest supplier of useful energy. In 2019, electricity supplied 30 percent of useful energy according to IIASA, whilst oil supplied only 24 percent.

In the 20th century, despite the leadership changing hands, all these forms of energy enjoyed growth. But in the 21st century, electricity’s dominance will be absolute; strong enough to push molecules into terminal decline. Coal as a direct energy carrier peaked in 2014. Oil and natural gas are likely to peak this decade.

The 21st century is electricity’s century. And it represents an evolution in the history of energy from fiery, inefficient, polluting molecules to obedient, efficient, combustionless electrons.

The journey of the electron has come far, but it has plenty of growth ahead. It currently commands lighting, digital devices, cooling, and some low-temperature heat, but it is quickly taking over mobility — first conquering land transport, then turning to the sea and the sky. Who knows how far electricity’s kingdom will span?

This chart is taken from The Cleantech Revolution. See the full report here.