In the context of energy, an ‘energy surplus’ is a situation where the amount of energy available for use in an economy exceeds the amount necessary for basic functioning. This is usually a result of either increased production and/or decreased demand for energy-intensive activities. An energy surplus can be viewed as an opportunity for an economy to transition away from higher energy-intense activities and towards a more balanced and sustainable energy mix, while potentially also providing a buffer against energy insecurity, volatility and price hikes.

See also: renewable energy, fossil energy, nuclear power, electric car