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Economic Geography and Natural Resources

Global Energy Systems and Power Grids

An overview of how the world generates, transmits, and stores energy, from fossil-fuel infrastructure and nuclear power to the renewable and grid technologies reshaping global electricity supply.

60-Second Review

Express review

A condensed, point-by-point summary of the module, for reviewing right before a test or exam.

  1. Global Electricity Generation by Source. Coal, gas, hydro, nuclear, and renewables together make up a highly uneven global generation mix.
  2. Oil and Gas Pipeline Networks. Pipelines and maritime chokepoints move the world's oil and gas, and both are frequent geopolitical flashpoints.
  3. Nuclear Power and Its Global Distribution. Nuclear power supplies about a tenth of world electricity, concentrated in a handful of countries with very different histories.
  4. Hydropower and Major Dam Projects. Hydropower is the world's largest renewable electricity source, built around a small number of mega-dams and rivers.
  5. Solar and Wind Power Expansion by Region. Solar and wind costs have collapsed since 2010, with China and a handful of other regions driving global deployment.
  6. Power Grids and Cross-Border Energy Interconnection. Grids link countries and regions through synchronized AC networks and long-distance HVDC cables, with real strategic stakes.
  7. Energy Poverty and Access to Electricity. Hundreds of millions still lack electricity access, concentrated overwhelmingly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  8. Energy Storage and the Future Grid. Pumped-storage hydropower still dominates grid storage, while batteries and new technologies are rapidly scaling up.

This module continues after "Environmental Change and the Future of the Planet" in the syllabus. If you haven't reviewed it yet, it may help set the context.

Key points

Visual module map

1Global Electricity Generation by Source
2Nuclear Power and Its Global Distribution
3Solar and Wind Power Expansion by Region
4Power Grids and Cross-Border Energy Interconnection
5Energy Storage and the Future Grid

Alternative visual view: a simplified sequence of some of the module's key points, in their order within the syllabus.

Your module mastery

0% (overall measurement)
Approximate breakdown by skill
Understanding of historiographical debate0%

A rough estimate based on the key points reviewed, not an exact measurement of actual mastery.

Final test

You need to review all key points to unlock the final test.

Optional mini-games

Extra practice, with no penalty, to reinforce the module's content.

Review Flashcards

Review each key point with cards that flip to reveal the summary.

Memory

Match each concept with its definition in as few attempts as possible.

Time Attack

Answer true or false statements before time runs out.

Chronological Order

Put the module's key points back in their original order.

Further reading

Bibliography and cited sources used to create this module.

  • International Energy Agency (IEA). (2023). World Energy Outlook 2023. Paris: IEA.
  • International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2023). Renewable Capacity Statistics 2023. Abu Dhabi: IRENA.
  • Smil, V. (2017). Energy and Civilization: A History. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
  • Yergin, D. (2020). The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations. New York: Penguin Press.
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2023). International Energy Outlook 2023. Washington, DC: EIA.
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Power Reactor Information System (PRIS). Vienna: IAEA.