The shift from combustion-based energy systems to electricity-based systems marks a significant technological transition. Historically, combustion, which involves the rapid release of heat through chemical reactions, has been crucial for powering engines, industrial machinery, and vehicles. This method has been fundamental to advancements in mechanized agriculture, modern manufacturing, and transportation.

Electricity, which involves the movement of electrons through conductors, has complemented combustion. While combustion provided the necessary power for heavy machinery and transportation, electricity offered precision and control, powering electronic devices and lighting. Over time, both energy forms coexisted, each serving distinct roles.

In the early 20th century, there was competition between steam power and electric power in factories. Initially, steam power prevailed due to cost efficiency. However, the precision and flexibility of electricity eventually led to its dominance in manufacturing, enabling decentralized and efficient power use.

A similar competition occurred in the automotive industry, where electric vehicles (EVs) initially competed with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. ICE vehicles won due to their greater power and energy density. However, recent advancements have shifted the balance in favor of electricity.

Two major technological revolutions have strengthened electricity's position: the development of semiconductors and improvements in battery chemistry. Semiconductors allowed the direct generation of electricity from solar energy, bypassing the inefficiencies of combustion-based energy generation. They also enabled the creation of precise and efficient electronic devices, including computers and MEMS, enhancing electricity's utility. Brushless electric motors, another semiconductor innovation, increased the efficiency and durability of electric motors compared to older models.

Advancements in battery technology, particularly lithium-ion batteries, have significantly improved energy density and power output. This made batteries more viable for a broader range of applications, from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. Batteries also offer better energy storage compared to combustion, allowing for more efficient energy use and reduced losses.

In contrast, combustion technologies have seen limited advancements in recent decades. The innovation surge of the 19th and early 20th centuries exhausted many easy improvements, and rising oil prices further constrained combustion technology development. Additionally, concerns about climate change have accelerated the transition to cleaner energy sources, favoring electricity over combustion.

The shift to electricity is evident in various sectors. Solar power is rapidly replacing fossil fuels for energy generation. Electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent, with advancements in battery technology driving their adoption. Electric appliances, including heat pumps and stoves, are improving in efficiency and becoming more cost-effective than their combustion-based counterparts.

This transition to electricity is also reshaping global economic dynamics. Developed countries have historically relied on a mix of combustion and electricity. However, some countries' rapid adoption of electric technologies, including solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, positions them advantageously in this new energy landscape. The ability to mobilize resources and political will for rapid energy transitions contrasts with the slower adaptation in some developed countries.

The rise of electricity as a dominant energy form promises an age of abundance, potentially accelerating productivity growth and addressing energy-related constraints. However, the shift also poses challenges, particularly for traditional combustion-based industries and nations slow to adapt. Ongoing advancements in AI and software further enhance electricity's efficiency and precision, solidifying its role as a key energy source.

In summary, the transition from combustion to electricity is driven by advancements in semiconductors and battery technology. This shift is reshaping industries, global economic dynamics, and the future of energy use, promising increased efficiency, precision, and sustainability.