Dark energy

"Impossible. Although we know there is more dark energy in the universe than anything else, and that it exists everywhere around us, it is so diffuse that it can barely be detected. Let alone concentrated.''" "''It can be, and it is."

- Admiral Ackbar and Finn

Dark energy was a form of energy that permeated the entire universe and was more abundant than anything else in the cosmos, but was very diffuse and difficult to detect. Harvesting dark energy as a power source was thought impossible until the First Order discovered a way to collect a form of dark energy known as quintessence to create the Starkiller Base superweapon, which could destroy entire star systems.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens novelization