Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter everywhere.
Understanding the difference in the microstructure of conductors, semiconductors and insulators makes it possible to design components and build electric circuits.
Many circuits are powered with mains electricity, but portable electrical devices must use batteries of some kind.
Electrical power fills the modern world with artificial light and sound, information and entertainment, remote sensing and control.
The fundamentals of electromagnetism were worked out by scientists of the 19th century.
However, power stations, like all machines, have a limited lifetime.
If we all continue to demand more electricity this means building new power stations in every generation – but what mix of power stations can promise a sustainable future?