Talk:Electrostate

To view Electrostate rigidly via Petrostate lens?

I know this is a new concept and lede explains there is still debate on what the term should mean. If the definition means any state that relies predominantly on clean energy over fossil fuels for economy - then I believe the main scope of article is to be aligned on that fact that Electrostate is run on the context of climate change. Meaning that the entire world is ideally aiming to become that or similar path by 2060. The first electrostate, or "producer" electrostate, may be potentially historically important if it becomes both critical provider and frontrunner of climate technologies to help accelerate that trend.

So if later, the scholarly definition of electrostate is settled to mean any state that relies on electricity rather than fossil fuels for economy - then I specifically propose adding that virtually all countries are moving towards being an electrostate and then highlighting the Cost Curve; where by scaling up manufacturing to "economies of scale" levels, producer electrostates also lower the global price of renewables, enabling even developing countries to leapfrog over intensive coal and oil development phase altogether, and directly into renewables. Prominent example; China's rapid development on solar in 2010s and 2020s have already helped bring down global photovoltaic modules prices by about 80% in last decade - which enables poorer developing economies like India to transition faster directly into solar; and electrostate development path.

Tho I understand that some scholars define electrostate as one that additionally dominates global chain of climate technologies. Similar to how a modern Petrostate cartel has monopoly over global oil supply. Personally I think some commenters are prematurely seeing electrostate via Petrostate lens as it's not the same economic/tech dynamics. If later, consensus is that any country is an electrostate for simply eliminating fossil fuels and reaching net zero then I will implement the above. JaredMcKenzie (talk) 01:53, 14 June 2026 (UTC)

Hi @JaredMcKenzie Great perspective -- there are several countries that are as you describe it "electrostates" in the production perspective of the energy transition, such as Energy in Uruguay -- however, as you have already talked about -- the goal of Wikipedia is to provide a WP:Neutral Point of View using a balance of sources describing WP:Verifiable claims -- i.e. claims that have been made by experts. If you find sources that challenge or critique the definition, it would be a great addition to the article, Sadads (talk) 13:41, 16 June 2026 (UTC)

The definition of an "electrostate" remains under discussion among academics, journalists, and think tanks. Generally, however, the term encompasses energy consumers, producers, and nations that embody both roles. Current analyses heavily focus on the geopolitical and energy security aspects. And your observation is correct that there is quite a difference between electrostates and traditional petrostate cartels. Crucially, these two systems operate under entirely different economic and technological dynamics. Consumer electrostates are generally insulated from the leverage of producers; once the necessary infrastructure is installed, "The sun may not always shine and the wind may not always blow, but neither can they be halted by an embargo or balance-of-payments crisis," as noted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. But some analysts have also noted that a capable electrification infrastructure will become essential for any future electrostate, which will require a heavy investment that not every country can afford in a few decades, and they could be the target in conflicts. We shall see what analyses from reliable sources say in the coming years.-Loned (talk) 23:34, 23 June 2026 (UTC)