Ars Énergistique Mod Guide: Bridging Ars Nouveau and Applied Energistics 2
Ars Énergistique bridges the gap between Ars Nouveau's magical Source energy and Applied Energistics 2's ME network technology. Store massive quantities of Source in ME Storage Cells, convert Source into AE power with the Source Acceptor, and transport Source across your base using P2P Tunnels. If you run both mods, this addon is essential for unifying your magic and tech systems.
Overview
Ars Énergistique is a bridge mod that connects Ars Nouveau's Source energy system with Applied Energistics 2's ME network infrastructure. Rather than keeping your magic and tech systems entirely separate, this mod lets you store Source in ME cells, convert Source into AE power to run your network, and pipe Source through P2P Tunnels just like you would with items or fluids. You can browse all the items and recipes this mod adds using the tabs on this page.
The mod adds three major features: Source Storage Cells for storing Source in your ME system, the Source Acceptor for converting Source into AE energy, and Source P2P Tunnels for transporting Source through your ME cable network. It also extends Ars Nouveau's Amethyst Golem to work with AE2's Certus Quartz, letting your golems convert Certus Quartz Blocks into Budding Certus Quartz.
Prerequisites
This mod requires both Ars Nouveau and Applied Energistics 2 to be installed. You should have a basic understanding of both mods before diving in. On the AE2 side, you'll need a functioning ME network with an ME Controller, Energy Cells, and ME Drives. On the Ars Nouveau side, you should be familiar with Source generation using Source Jars, Sourcelinks, and Relays. If you haven't set up either mod yet, get comfortable with their basics first.
Getting Started
- 1
Craft a Source Cell Housing
The Source Cell Housing is the foundation for all Source Storage Cells. This is a crafting material that you'll combine with AE2 Cell Components to create storage cells that can hold Source in your ME system. Think of it like AE2's regular Item Cell Housing, but designed for Source energy.
- 2
Create Your First Source Storage Cell
Combine a Source Cell Housing with any AE2 Cell Component (1K, 4K, 16K, 64K, or 256K) in a Crafting Table to create a Source Storage Cell. Start with a 1K cell, which can store 1,000,000 Source. Place it in an ME Drive just like a regular storage cell.
- 3
Set Up a Source Acceptor
Place a Source Acceptor block adjacent to your Ars Nouveau Source infrastructure (near Sourcelinks or Relays). The Source Acceptor connects to your ME network and appears as a valid Source destination to Ars Nouveau's Source transfer system. Any Source sent to it gets converted into AE energy at a rate of 2.0 AE per Source by default.
- 4
Connect Source Generation to Your ME Network
Place Ars Nouveau Relays or Sourcelinks near your Source Acceptor. The Acceptor integrates with Ars Nouveau's Source utility system, so Source generators will automatically recognize it as a valid destination and begin transferring Source into your ME network's energy storage.
- 5
Explore P2P Tunnels for Source Distribution
Once you're comfortable with the basics, set up Source P2P Tunnels to transport Source across long distances through your ME cable network. This is particularly useful when your Source generators are far from where you need Source, such as remote enchanting setups or spell turrets.
Source Storage Cells
Source Storage Cells let you store Ars Nouveau Source directly in your ME system. They work just like regular AE2 storage cells: pop them into an ME Drive and your network can store and retrieve Source. The cells come in five tiers, matching AE2's standard Cell Component sizes. Each byte of storage holds 1,000 Source, so cell capacities scale dramatically with each tier.
To craft any Source Storage Cell, combine a Source Cell Housing with the corresponding AE2 Cell Component in a shapeless recipe. The recipe is simple and doesn't require any special crafting station. Source cells only store Source, nothing else, so they won't compete with your item or fluid storage.
Source Storage Cell Capacities
| 1K Cell | 4K Cell | 16K Cell | 64K Cell | 256K Cell | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Bytes | 1,000 | 4,000 | 16,000 | 64,000 | 256,000 |
| Max Source | 1,000,000 | 4,000,000 | 16,000,000 | 64,000,000 | 256,000,000 |
| Idle Drain | 0.5 AE/t | 1.0 AE/t | 1.5 AE/t | 2.0 AE/t | 2.5 AE/t |
A 1K Source Cell already holds 1,000,000 Source, which is far more than most Ars Nouveau setups will generate early on. Don't rush to craft higher-tier cells unless you have massive Source generation infrastructure in place.
Portable Source Cells
Portable Source Cells work like AE2's Portable Item Cells but for Source. They function as standalone, portable ME terminals that can hold Source without being connected to a network. Craft one by combining a Chest, the appropriate Cell Component, an AE2 Energy Cell, and a Source Cell Housing. These come in the same five tiers as regular Source Storage Cells.
Portable cells are useful for carrying Source with you on adventures or for temporarily storing Source when reorganizing your ME system. They can be opened from your inventory to view their contents.
Creative Source Cell
The Creative Source Cell provides infinite Source storage, functioning as an unlimited source (or sink) of Source energy within your ME network. This is a creative-mode only item, useful for testing setups without worrying about Source supply. It cannot be crafted in survival.
The Source Acceptor
The Source Acceptor is the key block that bridges Ars Nouveau's Source energy with AE2's power grid. It comes in two forms: a full block version and a cable-attachable part version. Both do exactly the same thing, they accept Source from Ars Nouveau's transfer system and convert it into AE energy for your ME network. The conversion rate defaults to 2.0 AE per unit of Source, which is configurable.
The block version sits on the ground like any other block and connects to adjacent ME cables. The cable part version can be placed directly onto ME cables, saving space and allowing more compact builds. You can freely convert between the two forms using a shapeless crafting recipe. Place a Source Acceptor within range of Ars Nouveau's Sourcelinks and Relays. The mod hooks into Ars Nouveau's Source utility system, so Sourcelinks will automatically detect the Acceptor as a valid Source destination and begin funneling energy into it.
At the default rate of 2.0 AE per Source, a single Volcanic Sourcelink producing 200 Source per cycle generates 400 AE. This can significantly supplement or even fully power a small to medium ME network. The conversion rate can be adjusted in the mod's config file.
Source P2P Tunnels
Source P2P Tunnels let you transport Source through AE2's P2P Tunnel system. If you're already familiar with AE2's P2P Tunnels for items, fluids, or Redstone, Source tunnels work the same way. Place a Source P2P Tunnel part on an ME cable, configure the input and output endpoints with a Memory Card, and Source will flow through your cable network from the input side to the output side.
The output side of a Source P2P Tunnel has a buffer capacity of 1,000 Source by default (configurable). This buffer prevents Source from being lost if the receiving device isn't ready to accept it immediately. Source piped through a P2P Tunnel costs a small amount of AE power proportional to the amount transferred, just like other P2P tunnel types.
This is particularly powerful for large bases where your Source generators are in one area but you need Source in another. Instead of running long chains of Ars Nouveau Relays, you can pipe Source through your existing ME cable infrastructure using a single P2P Tunnel pair.
Amethyst Golem and Certus Quartz
Ars Énergistique extends Ars Nouveau's Amethyst Golem with a clever new ability: it can now convert Certus Quartz Blocks into Flawed Budding Certus Quartz. In vanilla AE2, Budding Certus Quartz is notoriously difficult to obtain and move. With this integration, you can set up an Amethyst Golem near Certus Quartz Blocks and it will scan for them within its home range, then convert them using its existing budding conversion behavior.
The golem scans a 10x10x10 area around its home position for Certus Quartz Blocks. When it finds one, it converts it to Flawed Budding Certus Quartz, which can then grow Certus Quartz Clusters over time. This provides a renewable, automated way to farm Certus Quartz using Ars Nouveau's golem system.
The Amethyst Golem creates Flawed Budding Certus Quartz, not the perfect variant. Flawed budding blocks will degrade over time as clusters are harvested. Keep a supply of Certus Quartz Blocks nearby so the golem can continuously convert fresh blocks to replace degraded ones.
ME Network Integration Details
The mod registers Source as a new AE Key Type within AE2's storage system. This means Source appears alongside items and fluids in your ME network's storage readouts. Each operation moves 1,000 Source at a time, and each byte of cell storage holds 1,000 Source. Import Buses and Export Buses can interact with Source-compatible blocks, allowing you to automate Source movement in and out of your ME network.
The mod also integrates with Ars Nouveau's Relay system. Both standard Relays and Relay Splitters recognize the Source Acceptor (in both block and cable part forms) as a valid Source destination. Source transfer respects the directional capabilities of each device, so you'll want to ensure your Relays are facing the correct direction toward the Acceptor.
Configuration
Ars Énergistique has two configurable values that let you fine-tune the integration between the two mods.
Configuration Options
| ae_per_source | 2.0 (default) — AE energy produced per unit of Source by the Source Acceptor |
| output_p2p_buffer | 1000 (default) — Maximum Source capacity of Source P2P output tunnel buffers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Source Acceptor work with Sourcelinks and Relays?
Yes. The Source Acceptor integrates directly into Ars Nouveau's Source transfer system. Sourcelinks will automatically detect it as a valid destination, and Relays (including Relay Splitters) can route Source to it. Just place the Acceptor within range of your Source infrastructure.
What's the difference between the Source Acceptor block and the cable part?
They function identically. The block version is a full block you place in the world, while the cable part version attaches directly to ME cables for more compact builds. You can convert between them freely using a shapeless crafting recipe.
How much Source can each storage cell hold?
Each byte of cell storage holds 1,000 Source. A 1K cell holds 1,000,000 Source, 4K holds 4,000,000, 16K holds 16,000,000, 64K holds 64,000,000, and the 256K cell holds 256,000,000 Source. These are enormous capacities, so a 1K cell is sufficient for most early setups.
Can the Amethyst Golem convert Certus Quartz automatically?
Yes. The Amethyst Golem scans for Certus Quartz Blocks within its home range and converts them into Flawed Budding Certus Quartz using the same conversion behavior it uses for Amethyst. Set up the golem near Certus Quartz Blocks and it will handle the conversion on its own.
How do Source P2P Tunnels handle multiple outputs?
Source is distributed evenly across all output tunnels linked to the same input. Each output tunnel has its own buffer of 1,000 Source (configurable). If an output's buffer is full and the adjacent block can't accept Source, that portion is lost. Make sure your receiving devices can keep up with the incoming Source rate.
Can I use Source to fully power my ME network?
Absolutely. The Source Acceptor converts Source to AE energy, which goes directly into your ME network's energy storage. With enough Sourcelinks feeding into a Source Acceptor, you can power your entire ME system without any other AE2 power source. At the default 2.0 AE per Source rate, you'll need to calculate your network's power draw and match it with sufficient Source generation.