How It Works
Discover the big picture in PhileSpace, or start anywhere in the flow: Books, Stories, Vignettes or Sessions.
Each offers a different way to look at and think about the material — a different way to gain insight into the world’s energy story.
PhileSpace
Browse Energyphile's museum of interconnected stories and artifacts.
Stories
Uncover clues to our energy future in these creative short stories.
Sessions
Explore ideas and improve your knowledge through guided discussion.
Vignettes
Discover the artifacts and the lessons they hold in these quick snapshots.
Books
Get the first 10 stories, with exclusive preambles, in print or ebook format.
PhileSpace
Browse Energyphile's museum of interconnected stories and artifacts.
Philespace must be viewed on a larger screenForces of Change
Six forces of change further categorize Energyphile content. They are both drivers of and barriers to energy transitions. The forces are Environment, Policy, Economy and Business, Innovation, Geopolitics and Social.
Look for the symbol on every story and vignette to see the primary force at work.
Environment
When environmental degradation threatens human health and welfare, we react to remedy the situation — although it often has to reach a crisis before action is taken.
Policy
Government is a strong force. The carrot of subsidies or stick of taxation can alter how we get and use energy.
Economy and Business
Nothing goes 'round without capital. Investment is an essential force for change, and lack of it hinders transition. And with energy, the economy creates prosperity.
Innovation
From paper maps to GPS technology, candles to electric bulbs, innovation and technology are important catalysts for change, but are insufficient by themselves.
Geopolitics
This is a gentle term for fighting over energy commodities. Energy has long been used by countries as a lever for strategic economic and political gain.
Social
Human issues are often either overlooked or underestimated, but they’re significant factors in the evolution of societal energy use.
Environment
When environmental degradation threatens human health and welfare, we react to remedy the situation — although it often has to reach a crisis before action is taken.
Policy
Government is a strong force. The carrot of subsidies or stick of taxation can alter how we get and use energy.
Economy and Business
Nothing goes 'round without capital. Investment is an essential force for change, and lack of it hinders transition. And with energy, the economy creates prosperity.
Innovation
From paper maps to GPS technology, candles to electric bulbs, innovation and technology are important catalysts for change, but are insufficient by themselves.
Geopolitics
This is a gentle term for fighting over energy commodities. Energy has long been used by countries as a lever for strategic economic and political gain.
Social
Human issues are often either overlooked or underestimated, but they’re significant factors in the evolution of societal energy use.
The Pulse
Explore the issues, find clarity
Where business school meets book club
Right now, the ramifications of our energy decisions, as both producers and consumers, are staring us in the face. It’s a pivotal time in our energy story, and Energyphile Sessions can help you understand it. Each discussion guide includes a story and Q&As, exploring such issues as the perils of a resource-dependent economy and the ethics of our energy choices. Use them for your own reflections, or host a virtual book club.
History repeats itself
Irving Oil’s proposal to ship Canadian crude on foreign tankers sounds familiar. “Long Way Around” explores this continuing lack of a domestic supply chain.
Too soon to rejoice
May 1 marks Chimney Sweeps Day, the one day a year they got off. In this 1826 illustration, sweeps celebrate a tool meant to replace them — but it was too soon.
Stories on the go
Now you can listen to all the Energyphile stories through your preferred podcast platform. Subscribe through Apple, Google, Spotify, Pocket Casts and others.
From Opinion To Perspective
Be informed, start your own conversations.
A cup of coffee and a chat. Dinner and engaging conversation. A fully guided discussion in the boardroom. However you use them, Energyphile Sessions will spark thought-provoking dialogue.
Take a Journey of Discovery
Informed by the unique lens of Peter Tertzakian’s passion for the past, present and future of our energy story, Energyphile can transform your energy thinking.
The business of energy is everybody’s business.
Peter Tertzakian had a passion for energy long before energy was a daily topic of discussion around the world. His lifelong need to understand the stories and issues has resulted in Energyphile.
