Energialánc

Energialánc is a framework used to describe the full sequence through which energy is supplied, transformed, transmitted, distributed and finally used. It maps the chain from primary energy resources to the energy services that end users consume, emphasizing relationships among production, infrastructure, markets, and end-use.

Core stages include: primary energy supply (extraction and harvesting of fossil fuels, uranium, and renewable resources); energy conversion and processing (power generation, refining, hydrogen production, and other transformations); transmission and distribution (electricity and gas networks, pipelines and shipping); and energy services and end use (heating, mobility, manufacturing, appliances). Energy efficiency and demand management cut across all stages, aiming to reduce losses and optimize consumption.

Actors and governance: the energialánc involves energy producers, grid operators, transport providers, regulators, policymakers, technology suppliers and consumers. Decisions on investments, standards, tariffs and incentives shape the structure and performance of the chain.

Relevance and applications: understanding the energialánc supports energy planning, decarbonization efforts, security of supply and resilience. It is used in policy analysis, corporate sustainability reporting and lifecycle assessments, and is closely linked to broader concepts such as the energy system and value chains in related sectors.

Challenges and opportunities: the chain faces volatility in resource availability, aging infrastructure, regulatory fragmentation and cybersecurity risks, while opportunities include grid modernization, storage, digitalization, demand-side management and expanding renewable and low-emission technologies.