Energích

Energích is a term used in speculative energy economics and science fiction to denote a unit of account representing usable energy potential within a resource or system. It is not an officially adopted standard in contemporary energy policy.

Energích combines physical energy content, conversion efficiency, and temporal availability. One energích may represent the amount of energy that could be delivered to end users within a defined timeframe under specified technology and reliability assumptions. The concept is intended to reflect both energy quantity and quality.

In theoretical models, energích is used to compare energy projects, to evaluate policy scenarios, and to simulate markets that include energy-based currencies. In fiction and worldbuilding, energích often functions as a universal currency for trade in energy services or capabilities, linking consumption with production in a single metric.

Measurement and standardization: There is no universal definition; energích definitions vary with assumed technologies, service life, and environmental constraints. Standardization would require agreed reference technologies, time horizons, and reliability factors; economic rules for exchange rates would also need to be established.

Criticism and challenges: Critics argue energích may oversimplify energy quality and distribution constraints, and could introduce price distortions or incentivize inefficiency. Practical issues include data availability, market volatility, and alignment with existing fiscal and monetary systems.

See also: energy economics, energy credits, carbon pricing, energy policy, systems thinking.