Paradox is preparing another rework of the Hearts of Iron IV economy. Energy should become a mature local resource and coal should be just a way to increase production. However, the developers still call the system an experiment.
The main changes involve the logic of the power supply itself. There will be a power plant in each region and the amount of electricity generated will depend on the location. This is not one giant hydroelectric or thermal power plant, but a conditional combination of many small energy sources. Therefore, even countries without coal can gradually develop their own energy grids. Conventional industry also produces energy, which should be enough to produce basic equipment.
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Coal is not going away anywhere. Power plants will be able to burn it to obtain additional energy, which is especially necessary when producing expensive equipment. The dam will also begin to generate electricity directly, maintaining the same regional advantage. Furthermore, coal shortages will only occur when coal is actually needed to meet energy needs.
Energy consumption will depend on the product itself: infantry equipment will require little, but mass production of aircraft will be more voracious. Some buildings will also start consuming energy – for example, the refinery will require five units. The developer has yet to announce a release date for the system, stressing that it could still change.
