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
Energy Lessons from a Book of Beasts
Once Upon a Time …
When parents around the world added “teacher” to their repertoire this year, they turned to textbooks. But before kitchens became classrooms, bedtime stories had been offering their own lessons.
In “Once Upon a Time …,” Peter examines how some classic picture books introduce young minds to basic energy and environment lessons. See what a steam shovel, a caboose, the Once-ler and a book of beasts can teach a new generation of energy consumers.
Coal policy in play
When this Indigenous coal mine became too successful for its competitors’ comfort, government introduced policy that gave to one while taking it all from the other.
Fingers crossed!
“Nobody Tips a Scandiscope” is a finalist for a sound award from the Alberta Media Production Industries Association. Grab a tissue and hear what the fuss is about.
Illuminated study
Students in the early 1900s had a choice of desk lighting. To compete, candle tech had to innovate. This student lamp boasted several improvements.
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.
