June 1, 2026

Why Energy Literacy Matters: Reflections on SEFC’s Inaugural Energy Education Series

• Posted in
• Energy
• News + Press
• Secure Energy Future Center

Energy literacy matters now more than ever.

As demand for energy grows, communities need a better understanding of how energy systems work. This includes how power is generated, stored, delivered, and used. It also includes the tradeoffs that come with every energy decision.

That need was the focus of the Secure Energy Future Center’s inaugural Energy Literacy Series. Launched in January in Newport News, Virginia, the series helped participants look beyond individual energy technologies. Instead, it explored the larger energy system that supports our economy, communities, and daily lives.

Over eight sessions, participants learned about natural gas, solar energy, hydrogen, offshore wind, nuclear energy, battery storage, and electric power systems. Each topic helped build a stronger foundation for energy literacy in Virginia and beyond.

Why Energy Literacy Matters

Energy conversations often focus on one technology at a time. Solar, nuclear, offshore wind, hydrogen, and natural gas all play important roles. However, no energy source exists on its own.

Modern energy systems are connected. Decisions about generation, transmission, storage, regulation, infrastructure, and workforce development affect one another. These decisions also impact affordability, reliability, resilience, national security, and quality of life.

Energy literacy helps people understand those connections. It gives leaders, communities, and organizations the tools to ask better questions and make more informed decisions.

This is especially important as demand increases. Artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, data centers, electrification, and new technologies are placing new pressure on the energy system.

At the same time, much of the nation’s energy infrastructure was built decades ago. Today’s challenges require new ideas, strong partnerships, and a shared understanding of how the system works.

Building Energy Literacy in Hampton Roads

The Energy Literacy Series brought together industry leaders, researchers, public officials, students, community partners, and professionals from across Hampton Roads and Virginia.

Each session created space for learning and discussion. Participants asked thoughtful questions, explored different perspectives, and discussed the future of energy.

What began as an education series became something larger. It became a place for collaboration, connection, and shared learning.

The series concluded with a session on electric power systems. Participants also toured Dominion Energy’s Skiffes Creek Substation. The tour gave attendees a firsthand look at the infrastructure that helps deliver electricity across the region.

Celebrating 263 Foundations of Energy Badges

Throughout the series, SEFC awarded 263 SEFC–Virginia Tech Foundations of Energy digital badges.

These badges recognize participants who invested their time in energy education. They also reflect a growing interest in energy literacy across the region.

Each badge represents a commitment to learning. It also shows the importance of creating more opportunities for people to understand the energy systems that shape our future.

What Comes Next for SEFC

The first Energy Literacy Series has ended, but the work is just beginning.

Virginia’s energy future will depend on collaboration. It will require industry, academia, government, and community partners to work together. It will also require informed leaders who understand both the opportunities and the challenges ahead.

SEFC will continue to support energy literacy, energy education, workforce development, and industry engagement. Through programs like the Energy Literacy Series, SEFC is helping prepare people to navigate a changing energy landscape.

Thank you to the speakers, instructors, partners, and participants who helped make this first series a success.

Together, we are building the knowledge and connections needed for a more secure, resilient, and informed energy future.

Learn More About the Secure Energy Future Center

The Secure Energy Future Center supports energy education, research, innovation, and industry collaboration in Virginia.

To learn more about SEFC and future programs, visit the SEFC website.