Global historical series spanning the last two centuries recently became available for primary energy consumption (PEC) and gross domestic product (GDP). Based on a thorough analysis of the data, we propose a new, simple macroeconomic model whereby physical power is fueling economic power. From 1820 to 1920, the linearity between global PEC and world GDP justifies basic equations where, importantly, PEC incorporates unskilled human labor that consumes and converts energy from food. In a consistent model, both physical capital and human capital are fed by PEC and represent a form of stored energy. In the following century, from 1920 to 2016, GDP grows quicker than PEC. Periods of quasi-linearity of the two variables are separated by distinct jumps, which can be interpreted as radical technology shifts. The GDP to PEC ratio accumulates game-changing innovation, at an average growth rate proportional to PEC. These results seed alternative strategies for modeling and for political management of the climate crisis and the energy transition.

跨越过去两个世纪的全球历史序列最近可用于初级能源消费 (PEC) 和国内生产总值 (GDP)。基于对数据的彻底分析，我们提出了一个新的、简单的宏观经济模型，其中物质力量正在推动经济力量。从 1820 年到 1920 年，全球 PEC 和世界 GDP 之间的线性关系证明了基本方程的合理性，其中重要的是，PEC 包含消耗和从食物中转换能量的非熟练劳动力。在一致的模型中，物质资本和人力资本都由 PEC 提供，并代表一种储存能量的形式。在接下来的一个世纪，从 1920 年到 2016 年，GDP 的增长速度快于 PEC。两个变量的准线性周期被不同的跳跃隔开，这可以解释为根本性的技术转变。GDP 与 PEC 的比率积累了改变游戏规则的创新，其平均增长率与 PEC 成正比。这些结果为气候危机和能源转型的建模和政治管理提供了替代策略。