Keep your factory running smoothly, your lights on, and your sanity intact.
Power management in Satisfactory is one of the most satisfying and frustrating parts of the game. There’s nothing worse than expanding your production line, pressing start, and watching your whole factory go dark.
Whether you’re just starting with coal or trying to master nuclear, this guide will show you how to optimise power in Satisfactory so your setup stays efficient, scalable, and meltdown-free.
🔋 1. Understand How Power Works
Before you start rewiring everything, it helps to know the basics. Every machine in Satisfactory consumes a certain amount of power (measured in MW). The total draw across all your machines must always stay below your available capacity, if not, the system trips.
Key terms to know:
- Production: The total power generated by your plants.
- Consumption: How much power your factory is using.
- Capacity: The maximum output your generators can produce.
- Idle Draw: Small power used by machines on standby.
Pro tip: Open your Power Graph often. It shows when you’re approaching your limits before things shut down.
🪨 2. Start Simple with Biomass
Biomass power is the first type you’ll unlock, and it’s perfect for early automation.
Pros:
- Easy to set up.
- Great for small starter bases.
- Doesn’t require water or logistics.
Cons:
- Needs constant refuelling.
- Not sustainable long-term.
Quick optimisation tip: Automate biomass production early. Set up constructors to convert leaves and wood into solid biofuel, then feed it directly into your generators.
🪛 3. Upgrade to Coal Power
Coal is where Satisfactory really starts to open up. It’s the first self-sustaining power source because it uses water and coal to keep running automatically.
Setup checklist:
- Build a water extractor and coal miner.
- Connect both to generators using conveyors and pipes.
- Use pumps if your water source sits below the generator height.
Recommended ratio:
- 1 Water Extractor + 1.5 Coal Generators = roughly balanced setup.
Pro tip: Always build extra water capacity. It prevents slowdowns when production fluctuates.
🛢️ 4. Move into Fuel Power
Fuel is the next step up, and it’s far more efficient than coal. It uses crude oil that can be refined into fuel or turbofuel for even higher output.
Pros:
- High energy yield per generator.
- Perfect for mid-game factories.
- Produces less pollution (visually, at least).
Cons:
- Requires complex refineries.
- Can easily break if one input stops flowing.
Optimisation tips:
- Split your oil processing into dedicated areas.
- Always include a backup fuel buffer (storage containers) to prevent shortages.
- Overclock refineries instead of adding too many, it saves space and water.
☢️ 5. Master Nuclear Power
Nuclear energy is the peak of efficiency and chaos. It’s clean, powerful, and terrifying when it goes wrong.
Why it’s worth it:
- Produces massive amounts of power.
- Can handle late-game mega factories.
The challenge:
- Requires uranium fuel rods and cooling systems.
- Generates nuclear waste that must be stored permanently.
Best practices:
- Keep nuclear areas isolated and well-marked.
- Use automated trains or drones to move uranium safely.
- Monitor waste storage constantly to avoid shutdowns.
Pro tip: Connect nuclear power to a dedicated circuit. Never mix it with your main grid until you’re sure it’s stable.
⚙️ 6. Use Smart Power Circuits
One of the most overlooked tricks in Satisfactory is separating your factory into multiple power grids.
Why it helps:
- Prevents total shutdowns.
- Keeps essential machines (like fuel producers) powered during blackouts.
- Makes troubleshooting far easier.
How to do it:
- Use different Power Switches to isolate sections.
- Keep miners, refineries, and generators on a protected grid.
- Label your lines and circuits clearly, you’ll thank yourself later.
💡 7. Track and Automate Your Power
As your factory grows, it becomes impossible to manually monitor every generator. Automate as much as possible to keep your energy system self-sustaining.
Tools and tips:
- Smart Splitters: Divert excess fuel or coal to where it’s needed most.
- Storage Buffers: Use containers or fluid buffers to prevent overflows.
- Power Meters: Keep one near every major factory section for quick visual checks.
- Automated Alerts: Use modded displays or signals if you’re running custom setups.
🚀 8. Plan for Expansion
Your power grid should grow with your factory, not against it. Always build with future expansion in mind.
Best practices:
- Leave room for extra generators near each power source.
- Keep cables organised using vertical layouts and labeled junctions.
- Regularly review consumption before adding new production lines.
- Add redundant systems, especially for water or fuel lines.
A little planning now saves you a complete meltdown later.
🎮 Final Thoughts
Power in Satisfactory can feel overwhelming, but once you understand how each system connects, it becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the game. A steady, efficient power grid means more time building, exploring, and perfecting your dream factory.
So whether you’re running coal, fuel, or nuclear, remember this rule: never underestimate your power draw.
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