How Do We Define Energy Wealth in an Era of Distributed Energy?

Source: Elisa Wood| · ENERGY CHANGEMAKERS· |June 7, 2025

The term energy wealth often comes up in discussions about the benefits of distributed energy. But its meaning can be nebulous.

In his new book, Abundance, Ezra Klein offers one perspective on energy wealth. He quotes the late demographer Hans Rosling, who famously grouped humanity based on having enough energy to use a washing machine. Rosling pointed out that in 2010:

2 billion had little or no access to electricity and relied on fire

3 billion had access to enough energy for electric lights

1 billion people had enough energy wealth for washing machines

1 billion had the energy to fly in planes – and they used about half of the world’s energy

Today, inequality persists, although it’s less stark. Now, under one billion of the world’s eight billion people lack access to electricity, according to the International Energy Agency. So we’re heading in the right direction.

Klein ponders what it will take to create a world that is actually “energetically wealthy.” He argues that developing abundant renewable energy is the key to greater energy equality without harming health.

No argument there.

But both Rosling and Klein’s definitions of energy wealth fall short in an era of distributed energy. They focus on access to energy, treating it as a commodity someone else owns and the rest of us buy.