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Energy Trilemma: Online Game — Free Simulation

Can you solve the energy trilemma? 15 minutes. Free. No registration.

Free online energy policy simulation: manage a country, balance security, affordability, and sustainability. 15–20 minutes, no registration. For education and corporate training.

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4 Countries

Choose one of four economies — each has its own resources, challenges, and starting scores. Oil superpower or green island?

Yes/No Decisions

Each round you accept or reject energy policy proposals. Build a nuclear plant? Subsidize solar panels? Your call.

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15–20 Minutes

A full game in a coffee break. Play solo or discuss decisions as a team. No registration, no downloads.

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Three Scores

Your final result — the balance of security, affordability, and sustainability. A perfect balance doesn«t exist — that»s the trilemma.

Why play the Energy Trilemma

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Systems thinking can't be taught in a lecture

According to MIT research, simulations develop systems thinking 3x more effectively than lectures. Until you«ve tried balancing 3 metrics simultaneously — you don»t understand why «the perfect answer» doesn't exist.

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Gamification in learning: 3x engagement

TalentLMS research shows: 83% of employees learning through game mechanics feel more motivated. The Energy Trilemma is a ready-made tool for a training session or class.

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Perfect element for a class or workshop

15 minutes for individual play + 15 minutes for discussion = a ready lesson block. Works for corporate training, universities, and schools. For a full facilitated format — there's a workshop.

How to Play

1

Choose a country

One of four economies — each with its own resources and starting scores

2

Read the proposal

Each round brings a new decision: nuclear plant, solar panels, oil field...

3

Accept or reject

Yes or No — and instantly see the consequences on three metrics

4

Watch the balance

Security, affordability, sustainability — three metrics you need to maintain

5

Get your score

Final balance and comparison with other players

Концепция

Энергетическая трилемма — это бесплатная онлайн-симуляция, в которой вы управляете энергетической политикой одной из четырёх вымышленных стран. Концепция основана на модели Мирового энергетического совета (World Energy Council): любая энергетическая политика — это компромисс между тремя показателями, и идеального баланса не существует.

Каждый раунд вам предлагают решение: построить АЭС, субсидировать солнечные панели, открыть новое месторождение. Вы принимаете или отклоняете — и видите, как это влияет на безопасность, доступность и устойчивость вашей страны. Полная партия занимает 15–20 минут.

Как использовать в обучении

Игра работает как самостоятельный инструмент или как элемент занятия:

  • Индивидуально: 15–20 минут, бесплатно, без регистрации
  • В классе/на тренинге: 15 мин игра + 15 мин обсуждение = готовый блок
  • Полный формат: 4-часовой тренинг с командной работой, фасилитацией и экспертной рефлексией — см. Энергетическая трилемма: тренинг

Concept

The Energy Trilemma is a free online simulation where you manage the energy policy of one of four fictional countries. The concept is based on the World Energy Council model: any energy policy is a trade-off between three metrics, and a perfect balance doesn’t exist.

Each round you«re offered a decision: build a nuclear plant, subsidize solar panels, open a new oil field. You accept or reject — and see how it affects your country»s security, affordability, and sustainability. A full game takes 15–20 minutes.

How to use in education

The game works as a standalone tool or as a lesson element:

  • Individual: 15–20 minutes, free, no registration
  • In class/training: 15 min game + 15 min discussion = a ready block
  • Full format: 4-hour workshop with teamwork, facilitation, and expert reflection — see Energy Trilemma: Workshop
See also

Energy Trilemma: Workshop (4 hours, facilitated)

FAQ

Is the game free?
Yes, the online version is completely free and requires no registration. Open trilemma.edunit.org in your browser and start playing. It's an educational tool, not a commercial product.
Do I need to register?
No. No accounts, passwords, or email needed. Open the site and play. Results are saved in your browser.
Can it be used for group sessions?
Yes. 15 minutes of individual play + 15 minutes of discussion = a ready lesson block. For a full facilitated format with teamwork and expert reflection (4 hours) — there's a separate Energy Trilemma Workshop.
What devices does it work on?
Any modern browser on desktop, tablet, or phone. Optimal on screens 375px and wider. No app installation required.
Is this scientifically based?
The game is based on the real energy trilemma concept from the World Energy Council. Scenarios and decision consequences were developed with an energy policy expert.
How is the game different from the Energy Trilemma Workshop?
The game is an individual online simulation (15–20 minutes, free). The workshop is a facilitated team session (4 hours, 12–30 participants): teamwork, strategic trade-offs, expert reflection. The game is a standalone tool or an element of the workshop.

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