råkraft

Råkraft is a term used in Swedish and Norwegian that translates roughly as “raw power” or “raw energy.” It refers to energy in its natural, unconverted form or the energy content of resources as they occur in nature. In technical and policy contexts, råkraft is related to the concept of primary energy, which accounts for energy inputs before any transformation, conversion, or losses that occur in processes such as electricity generation or refining. The exact meaning and usage of råkraft can vary by country and context, and it is not a formal unit of measurement.

In energy statistics and planning, råkraft is often used to discuss the supply side of energy systems. It encompasses fossil fuels, renewables, and other primary sources as they exist before conversion to secondary energy forms like electricity, heat, or refined fuels. Because conversion efficiencies and system losses differ across technologies, the amount of usable energy obtained from råkraft can differ significantly from its raw quantity.

Beyond technical contexts, råkraft can also appear in everyday language to express inherent strength or potential—either of a person or of a system. Metaphorically, it may convey power, force, or untapped energy that could be mobilized under the right conditions.

See also: primary energy, energy resource, råvara.