Energy plays a central role in shaping our society and infrastructure, making it increasingly important for today's leaders to understand the impact of energy decisions. Discussions about energy often neglect important historical lessons about previous energy transformations and provide inadequate consideration of context - Driven by Demand takes a fresh approach by exploring the emergence of energy systems, outcomes and priorities. It outlines select historical and current events, challenges, and developing energy trends using a range of case studies. Readers will gain foundational knowledge about energy flows and end-uses, helping them to become more conversant about energy outcomes and priorities. This accessible book paves the way for broader discussions about societal resilience, privacy, and security concerns associated with the move towards 'smart' infrastructure. This is a must-read for business executives, policymakers and students working in energy policy, energy management and sustainable business.

An accessible, non-technical book that reframes the discussion around societal demand for energy via a range of international case studies.

Part I. Introduction: 1. You get what you ask for Part II. Three Frameworks: 2. Energy: the product 3. Energy: the delivery system 4. Energy: the value proposition Part III. Critical Decisions: 5. The international Niagara commission of 1891 6. Trash as treasure 7. Paying for pavement 8. Heat, without the hot air 9. The collision of two critical infrastructures Part IV. Energy Futurism: 10. Towards better management of energy infrastructures 11. Risk management in energy 12. Resilience as a core value 13. Exploring energy security 14. Energy-as-a-service Part V. Societal Advancement: 15. Bringing it all together References Index