How Europe is funding its solar boom DW 02/20/2025The adoption of solar energy is rapidly increasing across Europe as countries strive for renewable energy sources to combat fossil fuel dependency.
Can renewable energy really fix the global energy crisis?The global energy crisis is worsened by rising costs, unreliable grids, and increased energy demand from AI.
Hybird Energy Secures 2.4M to Revolutionize Energy Management for Commercial Real EstateHybird Energy raised €2.4 million to enhance its AI-driven energy management solutions, addressing Europe's energy crisis.
Three Years After Ukraine Invasion, Europe Still Deals With Energy CrisisEurope has significantly shifted its energy strategy post-Ukraine invasion, moving away from Russian gas towards renewables and U.S. LNG.
Taiwan Makes the Majority of the World's Computer Chips. Now It's Running Out of ElectricityTaiwan's dependency on imported fossil fuels and insufficient renewable energy development threatens its future as a chip manufacturing leader.
The False AI Energy CrisisTrump and AI executives express concern over an imminent AI-driven energy crisis, linking it to the need for increased fossil fuel production.
How Europe is funding its solar boom DW 02/20/2025The adoption of solar energy is rapidly increasing across Europe as countries strive for renewable energy sources to combat fossil fuel dependency.
Can renewable energy really fix the global energy crisis?The global energy crisis is worsened by rising costs, unreliable grids, and increased energy demand from AI.
Hybird Energy Secures 2.4M to Revolutionize Energy Management for Commercial Real EstateHybird Energy raised €2.4 million to enhance its AI-driven energy management solutions, addressing Europe's energy crisis.
Three Years After Ukraine Invasion, Europe Still Deals With Energy CrisisEurope has significantly shifted its energy strategy post-Ukraine invasion, moving away from Russian gas towards renewables and U.S. LNG.
Taiwan Makes the Majority of the World's Computer Chips. Now It's Running Out of ElectricityTaiwan's dependency on imported fossil fuels and insufficient renewable energy development threatens its future as a chip manufacturing leader.
The False AI Energy CrisisTrump and AI executives express concern over an imminent AI-driven energy crisis, linking it to the need for increased fossil fuel production.
Germany's economy is faltering. That could be an opportunity for the far-rightGermany's economic model is faltering due to reliance on Russian energy and insufficient innovation, affecting growth and upcoming elections.
Germany's Economy Is in the Dumps. Here Are Five Reasons WhyGermany's economy is struggling significantly, facing challenges from energy costs and competition.Energy disruptions and dependency on imports hinder Germany's industrial growth.Rising costs due to energy issues are affecting Germany's competitive edge in global markets.
Why is Germany's economy so sluggish and what does it mean for you?Germany's economy is currently experiencing recession and a contraction of 0.3% in 2023, expecting further decline in 2024.
A Gas Cutoff Sends Shivers Through a Russian-Backed Breakaway RegionTransnistria's energy crisis has shifted the local economy from gardening supplies to essential electric heaters, highlighting the region's vulnerability.
Germany's economy is faltering. That could be an opportunity for the far-rightGermany's economic model is faltering due to reliance on Russian energy and insufficient innovation, affecting growth and upcoming elections.
Germany's Economy Is in the Dumps. Here Are Five Reasons WhyGermany's economy is struggling significantly, facing challenges from energy costs and competition.Energy disruptions and dependency on imports hinder Germany's industrial growth.Rising costs due to energy issues are affecting Germany's competitive edge in global markets.
Why is Germany's economy so sluggish and what does it mean for you?Germany's economy is currently experiencing recession and a contraction of 0.3% in 2023, expecting further decline in 2024.
A Gas Cutoff Sends Shivers Through a Russian-Backed Breakaway RegionTransnistria's energy crisis has shifted the local economy from gardening supplies to essential electric heaters, highlighting the region's vulnerability.
'Critical failure' of Puerto Rico's power grid means dark New Year's EveA significant blackout in Puerto Rico may persist past New Year's due to a critical failure in the power grid.
Cuba's national grid collapses leaving millions without electricityCuba's electrical system failure underscores severe energy crisis due to fuel shortages, aging infrastructure, and natural disasters.
Tropical Storm Oscar is making Cuba's nationwide power outage even worseTropical Storm Oscar hinders power restoration efforts in Cuba after a massive outage, affecting millions and exacerbating an ongoing energy crisis.
Millions without power as Cuba hit by another nationwide blackoutCuba's power grid collapse highlights ongoing energy crisis fueled by outdated infrastructure and fuel import challenges.
A major power plant fails in Cuba, plunging the island into darkness againCuba is suffering from widespread power outages due to failures in major power plants, impacting daily life nationwide.
Sri Lanka goes bananas after monkey unplugs nationA monkey's interaction with a transformer caused a nationwide power outage in Sri Lanka, highlighting vulnerabilities in the aging power grid.
'Critical failure' of Puerto Rico's power grid means dark New Year's EveA significant blackout in Puerto Rico may persist past New Year's due to a critical failure in the power grid.
Cuba's national grid collapses leaving millions without electricityCuba's electrical system failure underscores severe energy crisis due to fuel shortages, aging infrastructure, and natural disasters.
Tropical Storm Oscar is making Cuba's nationwide power outage even worseTropical Storm Oscar hinders power restoration efforts in Cuba after a massive outage, affecting millions and exacerbating an ongoing energy crisis.
Millions without power as Cuba hit by another nationwide blackoutCuba's power grid collapse highlights ongoing energy crisis fueled by outdated infrastructure and fuel import challenges.
A major power plant fails in Cuba, plunging the island into darkness againCuba is suffering from widespread power outages due to failures in major power plants, impacting daily life nationwide.
Sri Lanka goes bananas after monkey unplugs nationA monkey's interaction with a transformer caused a nationwide power outage in Sri Lanka, highlighting vulnerabilities in the aging power grid.
Syria's dire economic woes threaten to undermine its new governmentSyria's new leaders face crippling economic sanctions and energy shortages as they attempt to stabilize the country after Assad's departure.
Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh: Rural Ireland is a forgotten country. Eowyn showed that our leaders couldn't care lessThe impact of extreme weather reveals vulnerabilities in infrastructure and the economy.Criticism of green policies can distract from accountability in crisis response.
Iran's Energy Crisis Hits Dire' Point as Industries Are Forced to Shut DownIran is facing a severe energy crisis due to sanctions, mismanagement, and infrastructure issues, leading to widespread shutdowns and lack of solutions.
Cuba suffers second total power blackout in two daysCuba's electrical grid has suffered multiple collapses due to aging infrastructure, fuel shortages, and external sanctions, plunging millions into darkness.
Cuba in complete blackout after national electrical power grid failsCuba faces a nationwide blackout after its biggest power plant fails, exacerbating ongoing shortages and systemic issues.
Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh: Rural Ireland is a forgotten country. Eowyn showed that our leaders couldn't care lessThe impact of extreme weather reveals vulnerabilities in infrastructure and the economy.Criticism of green policies can distract from accountability in crisis response.
Iran's Energy Crisis Hits Dire' Point as Industries Are Forced to Shut DownIran is facing a severe energy crisis due to sanctions, mismanagement, and infrastructure issues, leading to widespread shutdowns and lack of solutions.
Cuba suffers second total power blackout in two daysCuba's electrical grid has suffered multiple collapses due to aging infrastructure, fuel shortages, and external sanctions, plunging millions into darkness.
Cuba in complete blackout after national electrical power grid failsCuba faces a nationwide blackout after its biggest power plant fails, exacerbating ongoing shortages and systemic issues.
At least five reported dead in Ukraine after Russian airstrikesRussia launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine, killing at least five and damaging civilian energy infrastructure.
Russia launches major Christmas Day attack on Ukraine's energy systemRussia's Christmas missile attacks on Ukraine reflect a strategy to cripple the country's energy systems and cause civilian suffering.
Ukraine: Major power cuts after 'massive' Russian strike DW 01/15/2025Russia's airstrikes have led to emergency power cuts across multiple Ukrainian regions, reflecting ongoing threats to national energy security.
Russian attacks on Ukraine power grid probably violate humanitarian law: UNUkraine's energy grid faces unmatched challenges this winter amid intensified Russian strikes, raising humanitarian law violations concerns.
Russian gas flow to Europe via Ukraine stopped: Who does it hurt?The halt of Russian gas supplies marks the end of its dominance in the EU energy market and risks an energy crisis in Europe.
Latest Russian airstrikes on Ukraine threaten catastrophic power failure'Ukraine's power network is at high risk following Russian missile attacks, threatening nuclear plant safety.
At least five reported dead in Ukraine after Russian airstrikesRussia launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine, killing at least five and damaging civilian energy infrastructure.
Russia launches major Christmas Day attack on Ukraine's energy systemRussia's Christmas missile attacks on Ukraine reflect a strategy to cripple the country's energy systems and cause civilian suffering.
Ukraine: Major power cuts after 'massive' Russian strike DW 01/15/2025Russia's airstrikes have led to emergency power cuts across multiple Ukrainian regions, reflecting ongoing threats to national energy security.
Russian attacks on Ukraine power grid probably violate humanitarian law: UNUkraine's energy grid faces unmatched challenges this winter amid intensified Russian strikes, raising humanitarian law violations concerns.
Russian gas flow to Europe via Ukraine stopped: Who does it hurt?The halt of Russian gas supplies marks the end of its dominance in the EU energy market and risks an energy crisis in Europe.
Latest Russian airstrikes on Ukraine threaten catastrophic power failure'Ukraine's power network is at high risk following Russian missile attacks, threatening nuclear plant safety.
Ukraine war briefing: New Year's Day drone strike kills two in KyivRussia continues to target Ukraine with drone strikes during significant holidays, indicating persistent hostilities.
Europe is already facing its next energy crisisEurope faces a potential energy crisis due to rapidly depleting gas reserves and escalating tensions related to the Ukraine conflict.
EU looks to head off gas squeeze amid Russian LNG ban talk DW 01/21/2025European LNG demand is set to rise sharply in 2025 due to increased import dependence and changing global market dynamics.
Ukraine war briefing: New Year's Day drone strike kills two in KyivRussia continues to target Ukraine with drone strikes during significant holidays, indicating persistent hostilities.
Europe is already facing its next energy crisisEurope faces a potential energy crisis due to rapidly depleting gas reserves and escalating tensions related to the Ukraine conflict.
EU looks to head off gas squeeze amid Russian LNG ban talk DW 01/21/2025European LNG demand is set to rise sharply in 2025 due to increased import dependence and changing global market dynamics.
German economy shrank once again in 2024 DW 01/15/2025Germany's economy contracted for the second year in a row, influenced by inflation, energy prices, and decreased export demand.
Faisal Islam: The cost-of-living crisis isn't overThe cost of living crisis persists despite lower inflation rates, with many facing severe energy affordability challenges this winter.
German economy shrank once again in 2024 DW 01/15/2025Germany's economy contracted for the second year in a row, influenced by inflation, energy prices, and decreased export demand.
Faisal Islam: The cost-of-living crisis isn't overThe cost of living crisis persists despite lower inflation rates, with many facing severe energy affordability challenges this winter.
JUST IN: Biden Condemns Russia's Horrific Aerial Attack' Against UkraineBiden condemned Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing U.S. support amid widespread energy disruptions affecting civilians.
Russian gas supply to Europe via Ukraine halted after transit deal expiresUkraine has halted Russian gas transit, refusing to renew a crucial deal amid conflict, which impacts European energy supplies.The expiration of the gas transit deal represents a critical shift in energy dynamics between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe.
Here's what's behind Russia cutting off its last gas line to EuropeThe end of Russian gas supplies to Europe signifies a pivotal shift in energy dynamics and geopolitical relations.
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,056Australia threatens strong action against Russia if the death of Oscar Jenkins is confirmed.Ukraine escalates military attacks on Russian territory.Safety of employees leads Metinvest to close its coal mine in Pokrovsk.Russia claims the US is sabotaging its gas exports, impacting Europe.
JUST IN: Biden Condemns Russia's Horrific Aerial Attack' Against UkraineBiden condemned Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing U.S. support amid widespread energy disruptions affecting civilians.
Russian gas supply to Europe via Ukraine halted after transit deal expiresUkraine has halted Russian gas transit, refusing to renew a crucial deal amid conflict, which impacts European energy supplies.The expiration of the gas transit deal represents a critical shift in energy dynamics between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe.
Here's what's behind Russia cutting off its last gas line to EuropeThe end of Russian gas supplies to Europe signifies a pivotal shift in energy dynamics and geopolitical relations.
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,056Australia threatens strong action against Russia if the death of Oscar Jenkins is confirmed.Ukraine escalates military attacks on Russian territory.Safety of employees leads Metinvest to close its coal mine in Pokrovsk.Russia claims the US is sabotaging its gas exports, impacting Europe.
UK chemicals industry 'heading for extinction' warns Jim RatcliffeBritain's chemicals industry is facing a crisis due to high energy prices and carbon taxes, resulting in significant plant closures and job losses.
A new Enron website just popped up declaring the disgraced company is back and hiring. Former employees who 'lost everything' think it's a 'sick joke'A parody effort is attempting to resurrect Enron, alarming former employees who suffered from its notorious corporate fraud.
Enron Is Back. Could This Possibly Be Real?Enron's return was a publicity stunt featuring the fake product 'Enron Egg,' highlighting the company's historical corporate malfeasance.
A new Enron website just popped up declaring the disgraced company is back and hiring. Former employees who 'lost everything' think it's a 'sick joke'A parody effort is attempting to resurrect Enron, alarming former employees who suffered from its notorious corporate fraud.
Enron Is Back. Could This Possibly Be Real?Enron's return was a publicity stunt featuring the fake product 'Enron Egg,' highlighting the company's historical corporate malfeasance.
An Alarming Glimpse Into a Future of Historic DroughtsThe severe drought in South America is exacerbating climate change effects, leading to shortages and devastating impacts on local communities and economies.
Will Britain suffer a power outage? UK within a whisker' of blackoutThe current energy situation in Great Britain highlights the risks of dependence on weather-driven electricity generation.
Hydropower Was Ecuador's Answer to Climate Change. Until the Drought Hit.Ecuador's shift to hydroelectric power is facing significant hurdles due to climate change-induced droughts affecting energy production.
Zambia's Kariba Dam crisis is one of inequalityZambia is facing a severe multi-faceted crisis linked to climate change, energy supply, and food security, particularly impacting rural communities.
Latin America: When climate change ruins renewables DW 11/08/2024Latin America's renewable energy leadership is challenged by climate change-related droughts causing power shortages and energy rationing.
Can hydropower can hold its own against weather extremes? DW 04/27/2024Hydropower faces vulnerability due to climate change, as seen in Ecuador and Colombia's recent power shortages.Climate change exacerbates droughts and floods, impacting hydropower's water-dependent energy production and stressing energy systems.
An Alarming Glimpse Into a Future of Historic DroughtsThe severe drought in South America is exacerbating climate change effects, leading to shortages and devastating impacts on local communities and economies.
Will Britain suffer a power outage? UK within a whisker' of blackoutThe current energy situation in Great Britain highlights the risks of dependence on weather-driven electricity generation.
Hydropower Was Ecuador's Answer to Climate Change. Until the Drought Hit.Ecuador's shift to hydroelectric power is facing significant hurdles due to climate change-induced droughts affecting energy production.
Zambia's Kariba Dam crisis is one of inequalityZambia is facing a severe multi-faceted crisis linked to climate change, energy supply, and food security, particularly impacting rural communities.
Latin America: When climate change ruins renewables DW 11/08/2024Latin America's renewable energy leadership is challenged by climate change-related droughts causing power shortages and energy rationing.
Can hydropower can hold its own against weather extremes? DW 04/27/2024Hydropower faces vulnerability due to climate change, as seen in Ecuador and Colombia's recent power shortages.Climate change exacerbates droughts and floods, impacting hydropower's water-dependent energy production and stressing energy systems.
Millions of Brits could face blackouts as temperatures set to plunge to -15C - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.comMillions could face blackouts on Wednesday due to high demand and low power generation capacity in the UK.Cold weather and lack of wind create an especially tough situation for energy supply.
Short of Heat and Power, the Breakaway Region of Transnistria Struggles Without Russian GasTransnistria faces severe energy crises due to halted gas supplies from Moscow, complicating survival and leading to significant power outages.
Breakaway Moldovan region cuts heating and hot water as Russia stops gas flowTransnistria faces heating and hot water supply cuts due to halted Russian gas supplies via Ukraine.
Moldovan region Transnistria shuts down its industries after loss of Russian gasTransnistria's economy is severely impacted by the halt of Russian gas, causing most industries to close except food production.
Short of Heat and Power, the Breakaway Region of Transnistria Struggles Without Russian GasTransnistria faces severe energy crises due to halted gas supplies from Moscow, complicating survival and leading to significant power outages.
Breakaway Moldovan region cuts heating and hot water as Russia stops gas flowTransnistria faces heating and hot water supply cuts due to halted Russian gas supplies via Ukraine.
Moldovan region Transnistria shuts down its industries after loss of Russian gasTransnistria's economy is severely impacted by the halt of Russian gas, causing most industries to close except food production.
Fears of major surge in energy prices after jump in European wholesale gas costsThe expiration of the Ukraine-Russia gas contract during winter leads to higher energy prices and supply concerns in Europe.
Jimmy Carter Was Right About Materialism but, Alas, Wrong About UsCarter's 1979 address urged Americans to reflect on personal consumption habits and seek deeper meaning in life, amidst a national crisis.
Russia to halt gas deliveries to Moldova from January 1 DW 12/28/2024Gazprom will stop gas supplies to Moldova from January 1, 2025, causing significant power cuts.
Russia says it will stop supplying Moldova with gas next weekGazprom's halt of gas supply to Moldova highlights the country's energy vulnerabilities and ongoing tensions with Russia.
Russia to halt gas deliveries to Moldova from January 1 DW 12/28/2024Gazprom will stop gas supplies to Moldova from January 1, 2025, causing significant power cuts.
Russia says it will stop supplying Moldova with gas next weekGazprom's halt of gas supply to Moldova highlights the country's energy vulnerabilities and ongoing tensions with Russia.
Energy crisis has Iran on the brink - and hands Trump a historic opportunityIran faces a severe energy crisis due to economic mismanagement and corruption, affecting millions and threatening regime stability.
Why is energy giant Iran facing gas shortages? DW 12/19/2024Iran faces an unprecedented energy crisis despite its vast oil and gas reserves, driven by demand outstripping production and exacerbated by sanctions.
Iran key services shut as rial plunges amid energy crisis, regional tensionIran is facing significant disruptions due to fuel shortages, power cuts, and economic crises, affecting millions amid historic regional tensions.
Energy crisis has Iran on the brink - and hands Trump a historic opportunityIran faces a severe energy crisis due to economic mismanagement and corruption, affecting millions and threatening regime stability.
Why is energy giant Iran facing gas shortages? DW 12/19/2024Iran faces an unprecedented energy crisis despite its vast oil and gas reserves, driven by demand outstripping production and exacerbated by sanctions.
Iran key services shut as rial plunges amid energy crisis, regional tensionIran is facing significant disruptions due to fuel shortages, power cuts, and economic crises, affecting millions amid historic regional tensions.
Coal use to reach new peak and remain at near-record levels for yearsCoal use is expected to rise due to a global gas crisis, reaching new highs in 2023 and potentially remaining elevated through 2027.
Biden's Legacy on CubaBiden's administration faces criticism for inaction on Cuba despite calls for humanitarian aid and a history of policy reversal expectations.
Hurricane Rafael becomes a Category 2 storm as it nears CubaHurricane Rafael is intensifying and poses a significant risk to Cuba as it approaches landfall, likely exacerbating the ongoing energy crisis.
Cuba forced to paralyse economy' amid desperate energy crisisCuba faces severe energy shortages with blackouts lasting up to 12 hours, prompting the government to suspend non-essential services. The crisis results from infrastructure decay and fuel shortages.
Cuba Suffers Second Power Outage in 24 Hours, Realizing Years of WarningsCuba's power grid finally collapsed, leading to a historic blackout, highlighting years of warnings from experts about its aging infrastructure.
Cuba reels as Hurricane Rafael knocks out power grid and destroys homesHurricane Rafael exacerbated Cuba's existing energy crisis and infrastructure issues, increasing discontent amid economic struggles.
The energy crisis paralyzing Cuba: There will be no change in the electricity sector until the govermment changes the economic model'Cuba's energy crisis highlights systemic failures, leading to widespread power outages and escalating public frustration.
Biden's Legacy on CubaBiden's administration faces criticism for inaction on Cuba despite calls for humanitarian aid and a history of policy reversal expectations.
Hurricane Rafael becomes a Category 2 storm as it nears CubaHurricane Rafael is intensifying and poses a significant risk to Cuba as it approaches landfall, likely exacerbating the ongoing energy crisis.
Cuba forced to paralyse economy' amid desperate energy crisisCuba faces severe energy shortages with blackouts lasting up to 12 hours, prompting the government to suspend non-essential services. The crisis results from infrastructure decay and fuel shortages.
Cuba Suffers Second Power Outage in 24 Hours, Realizing Years of WarningsCuba's power grid finally collapsed, leading to a historic blackout, highlighting years of warnings from experts about its aging infrastructure.
Cuba reels as Hurricane Rafael knocks out power grid and destroys homesHurricane Rafael exacerbated Cuba's existing energy crisis and infrastructure issues, increasing discontent amid economic struggles.
The energy crisis paralyzing Cuba: There will be no change in the electricity sector until the govermment changes the economic model'Cuba's energy crisis highlights systemic failures, leading to widespread power outages and escalating public frustration.
Cold without wind: German dunkelflaute' brings electricity prices to crisis levels and depletes gas reservesDunkelflaute significantly raises electricity prices in Germany due to insufficient wind power and increased reliance on gas-fueled plants.
Germany shuts 7 coal power stations after winter ends DW 03/31/2024Several coal-fired power stations in Germany were shut down over Easter to address a gas shortage.Government extended the life of some coal-fired plants and delayed closure of nuclear power plants.
Cold without wind: German dunkelflaute' brings electricity prices to crisis levels and depletes gas reservesDunkelflaute significantly raises electricity prices in Germany due to insufficient wind power and increased reliance on gas-fueled plants.
Germany shuts 7 coal power stations after winter ends DW 03/31/2024Several coal-fired power stations in Germany were shut down over Easter to address a gas shortage.Government extended the life of some coal-fired plants and delayed closure of nuclear power plants.
Expert guide to stopping damp and mould in your home this winterMould and dampness in homes pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, making better indoor climate management essential.
Crisis in hospitality: 'I can see a lot more restaurants closing after Christmas if something isn't changed'The restaurant industry is facing significant challenges due to Covid, the energy crisis, and increased VAT.Resilience and adaptation are essential for restaurateurs to survive amidst ongoing economic pressures.
Russia-Austria gas spat stokes fears of new EU energy crisis DW 11/19/2024The EU's gas dispute with Russia escalated as Gazprom cut deliveries to Austria following a contractual conflict, raising concerns over energy dependency.
I'm switched off': frustration and fatigue as power cuts keep Ecuador in the darkEcuador's ongoing energy crisis is heavily impacting daily life, causing widespread exhaustion and frustration due to severe and prolonged blackouts.
The perfect temperature to set your thermostat at this winterThe ideal home temperature in winter for British households is 19.5°C, while the WHO suggests a minimum of 18°C.
Fiscal policy was a squabble too far for German coalition's odd throupleGermany's 'Ampel' coalition collapsed due to conflicting priorities among its diverse parties, marking challenges in contemporary governance.
Energy bill rise will force rationing in half of UK households, survey showsNearly half of Britons plan to ration energy this winter as bills rise 10%.The UK faces an alarming energy crisis with rising bills and increasing fuel poverty.
Even Summer Nights Can't Escape Egypt's Economic CrisisCairo's bustling nighttime economy is being stifled by electricity shortages and government regulations enforcing early closures for shops and cafes.
Russia pounds Ukrainian energy facilities with missile and drone barrageRussian forces damaged energy infrastructure in five Ukrainian regions through missile and drone attacks.
Why data centers want to have their own nuclear reactorsAI industry's energy consumption will lead to an energy crisis, requiring advancements in sustainable power sources like nuclear energy.
Why is US energy demand soaring putting climate goals at risk?Energy demand in the US is soaring due to various factors like data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and cannabis farming.Forecasts suggest the US will need the equivalent of 34 new nuclear plants in the next five years to meet the rising energy needs.