Elon Musk has shared his perspective regarding the immense energy harnessing potential that could become available to advanced civilizations in the long term. His contemplation of future energy needs is particularly relevant as the rapid growth of technology today is fueling a constantly rising demand for energy to operate vast digital and physical systems.
Musk, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), made a reference to the theoretical Kardashev Scale , introduced by Nikolai Kardashev in 1964.
What is Kardashev Scale that Elon Musk is talking about
The Kardashev Scale classifies civilisations by energy use. A Type I civilization can harness all the energy available on its home planet, a Type II can harness all the energy of its star, and a Type III can harness all the energy of its galaxy.
In his post, Musk projected significant increases in energy harnessing as humanity progresses along this scale. He stated that as we approach a Type I civilization level on Earth, "energy harnessed on Earth will increase a hundredfold and will mostly be solar aka fusion aka starlight."
“Then energy harnessed will increase perhaps a billionfold if we make it to Kardashev II, with space solar power, and another billionfold if we harness the energy of our galaxy,” Musk added.
“What I’m saying is that there is a lot of upside potential!!!” he explained.
Musk, who is also the founder of SpaceX , often discusses themes related to the long-term future of human civilisation, space exploration, and technological advancement, framing energy harnessing on a cosmic scale as a key aspect of future progress.
He has been a staunch supporter of establishing human colonies on Mars and has said that humans will soon be able to travel to the Red Planet.
Musk, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), made a reference to the theoretical Kardashev Scale , introduced by Nikolai Kardashev in 1964.
What is Kardashev Scale that Elon Musk is talking about
The Kardashev Scale classifies civilisations by energy use. A Type I civilization can harness all the energy available on its home planet, a Type II can harness all the energy of its star, and a Type III can harness all the energy of its galaxy.
In his post, Musk projected significant increases in energy harnessing as humanity progresses along this scale. He stated that as we approach a Type I civilization level on Earth, "energy harnessed on Earth will increase a hundredfold and will mostly be solar aka fusion aka starlight."
“Then energy harnessed will increase perhaps a billionfold if we make it to Kardashev II, with space solar power, and another billionfold if we harness the energy of our galaxy,” Musk added.
“What I’m saying is that there is a lot of upside potential!!!” he explained.
As we progress along the Kardashev Scale, energy harnessed on Earth will increase a hundredfold and will mostly be solar aka fusion aka starlight.
— gorklon rust (@elonmusk) May 12, 2025
Then energy harnessed will increase perhaps a billionfold if we make it to Kardashev II, with space solar power, and another… https://t.co/0cHovopB9l
Musk, who is also the founder of SpaceX , often discusses themes related to the long-term future of human civilisation, space exploration, and technological advancement, framing energy harnessing on a cosmic scale as a key aspect of future progress.
He has been a staunch supporter of establishing human colonies on Mars and has said that humans will soon be able to travel to the Red Planet.
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