Understanding Energy Return on Investment

Energy return on investment is equal to the energy output divided by the energy input.
A large EROI means that producing energy from that source is relatively easy and cost-effective.
A small EROI means that obtaining energy from that source is difficult and expensive.
Imagine planning a camping trip with your friends, and you need to decide which campsite to go to.
Let’s say campsite A is just a short drive away, with easy access to clean water, firewood, and beautiful, hiking trails.
In this case, the energy return on investment is high because you get a lot of enjoyment and utility from the relatively small amount of energy you expended to reach the campsite.
Campsite B is a long drive away, and when you finally arrive, you realize the water is dirty, there’s no firewood, and the hiking trails are overgrown and difficult to navigate.
This represents a lower energy return on investment because you’re expanding a lot of energy for relatively little benefit.
Similarly, energy return investment measures how much usable energy we get out of the energy we put into generating electricity.
#energyreturnoninvestment #EROI
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