This article provides an overview of some of the issues and innovations that are likely to alter the global energy sector in the early 21st century. From superefficient energy use to the emergence of hydrogen as a viable energy carrier, from climate concerns to security dilemmas, the relationships between these important concepts and the energy industries are as intricate as they are full of potential to promote growth, profits and opportunity. The energy topics that will be at the forefront of the national energy debate in the 21st century are energy efficiency, electricity restructuring, whole-system design for efficiency, breaking barriers, distributed utilities, Hypercars, business-oriented solutions to climate issues, the hydrogen economy, energy security, and natural capitalism.