Visualizing the US Energy System
The US Energy Flow Super Sankey from Otherlab presents an extensive attempt to display all US energy movements, starting from natural resources and ending at their ultimate uses. The ARPA-E-funded project combines data from multiple sources, including the US Energy Information Administration and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, to generate a highly detailed visualization of energy movement across the economy.
The image illustrates that electricity production and transportation systems account for the majority of the energy supply, while significant amounts of energy are lost as waste. The Sankey design effectively demonstrates impact through width because it directs users toward essential areas for change. The diagram illustrates the areas that require the most attention for policy and technological advancements.
The page contains an explanation section that describes the purpose of developing this tool for researchers and policymakers to analyze energy system structures and evaluate new technology and policy scenarios. The project establishes its connection to previous national energy flow diagrams, which began in the 1970s, as these diagrams served decision-makers who required a rapid understanding of energy challenges within an hour.
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The Otherlab Super Sankey demonstrates how this chart type enables the visualization of complex U.S. energy systems, yet its detailed information requires scale and interactive elements, as well as additional visual aids, for proper understanding.
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