Editor's note: This opinion piece was originally published in Nikkei Asian Review on 25 May 2017. ERIA's Energy Economist Yanfei Li provided commentary.

Modern life is characterized by a constant quest for energy. Every day, we refill our gas tanks, charge our phones or replace the batteries in our devices. This need for energy can provoke anxiety when we cannot find power plugs to charge our laptops in classrooms, conference rooms or restaurants. We sometimes worry whether we have switched off the stove or air conditioner before leaving home... (read the full article by using the link above)