Energistruktur

Energistruktur is a term used in energy policy and economics to describe the composition and organization of energy supply and use within a country, region, or sector. It covers how energy demand is met by different energy carriers (fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas; nuclear; and various forms of renewable energy), how energy is converted and transported (power generation, transmission, pipelines, distribution), and how it is consumed in final sectors (residential, commercial, industry, transportation, agriculture). It also includes the infrastructure and institutions that enable energy flows, such as grids, storage facilities, and regulatory frameworks, as well as measures of energy efficiency and demand management.

Key indicators include the share of each energy source in primary or final energy consumption, the installed capacity and generation mix by technology, energy intensity, and the degree of sector coupling. The energistruktur is shaped by resource endowments, technology availability, prices, policy signals, and investments in infrastructure. Transitions toward decarbonization, electrification of transport and heating, expansion of renewable generation, deployment of energy storage, and modernization of grids are common drivers of change. Challenges include intermittent renewables, the need for transmission expansion and storage, grid reliability, regional disparities, and ensuring affordable energy while maintaining security of supply. The concept is central to energy planning, policy assessment, and research, providing a snapshot of how a system currently uses energy and how it may evolve under different scenarios.