Doomberg

Doomberg explores the intersections of energy policy, economic implications, and political power. It critiques government decisions, impacts of energy production methods, and socio-political dynamics, often questioning mainstream narratives on climate change, renewable resources, and power grid stability while discussing global and local industry challenges.

Energy Policy Political Dynamics Economic Implications Renewable Resources Climate Change Industry Challenges Socio-Political Critiques Global and Local Perspectives

The hottest Substack posts of Doomberg

And their main takeaways

Sunblock

11128 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25

California's energy system is struggling because it has shifted away from reliable sources like nuclear and natural gas in favor of solar power. This change has made it harder to manage the electricity supply effectively.
A major fire at California's large battery storage facility caused serious environmental damage and highlighted the risks of relying too much on green energy solutions without a solid backup plan.
The government's new bill may worsen California's energy crisis by cutting tax credits for green energy projects, which could halt new installations and leave the state without enough power during peak demand times.

Chain Reaction

6659 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25

🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Environmental Impact Sustainability Technological Innovation

Nuclear energy has produced a massive amount of clean electricity over the years, showcasing its potential as a stable and affordable energy source.
Germany's decision to abandon its nuclear power plants is now seen as a mistake, and there's hope they will shift their stance to support nuclear energy in the future.
Many countries in Europe are starting to rethink their approach to nuclear energy, which might lead to a resurgence in its use to help combat climate change.

Label Makers

6000 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Judiciary Environmental

Some lawmakers want to put warning labels on gas pumps about air pollution and climate change, similar to cigarette warnings. This shows an effort to inform the public about the impacts of fossil fuels.
California's Proposition 65 has led to thousands of lawsuits over product warnings, causing businesses to spend a lot of money just to avoid legal trouble. Many labels are now on products to prevent lawsuits rather than to inform consumers.
The legal system's power can sometimes hurt businesses and stifle innovation. There's a feeling that it might be time to make changes to help businesses grow better.

Test Case

7086 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Technology Innovation Political History

American wildcatters, known for oil and gas, are now turning to nuclear energy. This shift shows a big change in how the U.S. thinks about its energy sources.
The new energy policies focus on nuclear power, marking a major change since the 1973 oil crisis. This push aims to reorganize America's entire energy system towards nuclear and away from renewables.
Key players in promoting nuclear energy are experienced in the shale industry. Their background might help speed up the development of new nuclear technologies and reactors.

Actuarial Examinations

17538 implied HN points • 22 May 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Regulation Government oversight Public Safety

The U.S. nuclear energy sector has struggled since the 1970s due to regulatory changes that focused more on safety than on promoting nuclear energy. This shift caused a significant slowdown in the construction of new reactors.
The Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model treats all radiation exposure as harmful, preventing advancements in nuclear medicine and technology, which could potentially save millions of lives.
Recent moves by the Trump administration aim to change how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission operates, promoting faster building of new nuclear power plants and enhancing energy production to match other countries like China.

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Trip Wire

7068 implied HN points • 27 May 25

🌍 World Politics International relations Military conflict Geopolitics

Estonia is caught between major powers and has a history of being controlled by others. Its small size and location make it vulnerable but also strategically important.
There is a NATO obligation for members to defend Estonia if it's attacked. Recent incidents in the Gulf of Finland have increased tensions between Estonia and Russia.
The relationship between the U.S. and NATO could be affected by how European leaders, especially those in Estonia, handle conflicts with Russia. It's important to pay attention to these developments.

Anchorage Aweigh

6151 implied HN points • 17 May 25

🌞 Climate & Environment Energy crisis Natural resources Economic Impact

Anchorage, Alaska, faces a potential energy crisis due to dwindling natural gas supplies. The community relies heavily on this resource for electricity and heating during cold winters.
The local oil and gas companies have not been drilling enough new wells to replace the declining existing ones. This lack of action raises concerns about electrical outages and heating shortages in the future.
Despite being a gas-rich state, Alaska's underproduction of new gas is leading it to a crisis point. Steps need to be taken to secure its energy supply for the upcoming years.

Are Hydrocarbons Really “Fossil” Fuels?

249 implied HN points • 29 May 25

🔬 Science Energy Geology Environmental Research Innovation

Some scientists think hydrocarbons, which we call fossil fuels, might not actually come from ancient plants and animals. There are theories suggesting they could be formed from other natural processes deep within the Earth.
In 1986, an oil drilling experiment in Sweden found hydrocarbons in an unusual location, challenging the idea that oil only comes from fossilized organic matter. This raises questions about our understanding of how hydrocarbons are formed.
The concept of fossil fuels could be more complex than we thought. It encourages us to explore alternative origins for these energy sources instead of assuming they're all from the remains of past life.

In Praise of Chris Wright

19853 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Government Regulation Environmental Policy Political resistance

Chris Wright is a strong nominee for Secretary of Energy, having a solid background in engineering and energy resource development. He aims to boost domestic energy production and support the energy industry.
Wright believes that hydrocarbons are essential for global energy needs and improving living standards for many people. He argues that energy is key to wealth and health around the world.
His policy focuses on reducing energy poverty as a priority. He suggests that rather than just focusing on climate change, we should also think about how to provide affordable energy for everyone.

Out of Gas

7896 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25

🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Policy International relations Leadership Economic strategy

Britain has faced a major decline in its global power and status over the years, driven by poor decisions by its leaders. This decline shows that just having a historic role doesn't mean a country is still significant today.
Currently, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is trying to boost Britain's image by aiming to make it an AI superpower. However, investors are uncertain because of the country's bigger issues, especially in energy.
The UK is struggling with low gas storage and high demand for energy, which makes its ambition for AI seem unrealistic. Without reliable and cheap energy, the goal to succeed in technology will be hard to achieve.

The US Is Not Broke

6730 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25

💰 Finance Economic Policy Fiscal Responsibility Investment strategy Debt Management

The US has a very high level of public debt, but the situation is not as hopeless as it sounds. There's still a lot of flexibility in managing this debt.
Experts suggest the US might be in a state of 'fiscal dominance,' meaning traditional monetary policies might not work effectively anymore. This makes managing the economy tricky.
The current administration has experience with managing debt and can take steps to improve the financial situation. The President has options to deal with the debt and is not completely stuck.

Undeclared

7460 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Crime Drugs Immigration Economy

The relationship between immigration and organized crime can be complex. Some immigration patterns have led to an increase in crime, but it’s important not to judge entire communities based on the actions of a few individuals.
The fentanyl crisis in North America is serious, with both Canada and the US struggling with it. It's important for countries to work together to address the flow of illegal drugs across borders.
Political decisions, like tariffs, can trigger strong reactions from countries involved. Canada felt threatened by the recent US tariffs, highlighting how deeply interconnected their economies and issues are.

This Year in Gas

11529 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24

💰 Finance Energy markets Natural Gas Market Trends Investment Analysis

Energy is essential for life and the economy, and all types of energy will be consumed to meet demand.
Energy prices are very sensitive to supply changes, so small shifts can lead to big price swings.
Natural gas is becoming increasingly important as a cleaner fuel and could even compete with oil in the future.

Georgia On My Mind

6668 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25

🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations European Politics U.S. foreign policy Conflict Studies

The end of unipolarity makes Europe vulnerable and could lead to significant changes in global power dynamics.
Georgia's political turmoil shows the influence of outside forces like the EU and Russia in the region.
A shift towards a multipolar world means countries need to focus more on their own national interests rather than trying to solve every global issue.

Pain Control

7727 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25

🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Regulations Environmental Impact Public Health Urban planning

A new law in Ottawa limits how long cars can idle to reduce emissions, even in freezing temperatures. This change has sparked debates about balancing climate goals with everyday needs.
Some lawmakers are considering studying the environmental impact of anesthesia gases used in medicine. This might lead to strict regulations on their use, showing how far some are willing to go for climate concerns.
Many feel that not all small actions, like the ones mentioned, are equally important. It's crucial to find a balance between good intentions and real-life impacts on people's comfort and health.

Law Wars

8057 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Environment Energy Regulation Corporate Governance

ExxonMobil is working on a new way to recycle plastic that turns trash into useful materials. They are investing a lot of money to increase this recycling ability.
California's Attorney General is suing ExxonMobil, claiming they misled people about recycling plastics. This lawsuit has sparked a lot of debate about the truth behind recycling claims.
ExxonMobil has also sued the Attorney General and environmental groups, saying they are being unfairly accused and that their actions are harming the company's reputation.

Whiplash

6597 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Energy Policy Environmental Issues Political strategy Legislation

Trump has signed many executive orders that impact energy policy, and there are concerns about the long-term effects on the industry. Any decisions made now could shape the future of energy production for years.
The recent orders have put a halt to wind energy leasing in many areas offshore, which might affect the growth of the wind sector. This means companies focused on wind energy could struggle moving forward.
The orders also focus on exploring resources in Alaska, which may become a major point of attention. If successful, this could show how effective Trump's new policies could be for energy resources.

The Frankfurter Index

6098 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25

💰 Finance Investment Currency Commodities Economic Theory Financial Analysis

The price of everyday items can help us understand the true value of money over time. For example, the cost of hot dogs compared to the price of gold shows how much the dollar has changed.
While the value of the US dollar has been decreasing, it's important to look at prices in relation to gold to see the bigger picture. Gold has been a constant measure of value throughout history.
Some people worry that we will run out of oil, but advancements in technology suggest otherwise. Oil and gas companies are innovating and have plenty of resources available.

Misreading the Room

6365 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25

🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Energy Policy Latin America Authoritarianism

Venezuela used to be one of the world's top oil producers but has seen its production decline by over 80% due to mismanagement and political issues. This has made the country really poor compared to its past.
Maduro, the current president, has taken provocative actions as his power weakens, including making bold statements about 'liberating' Puerto Rico with military help.
Venezuela has huge oil reserves and could be an important energy supply for the U.S., creating a potential interest in the country from U.S. leaders.

The Bitter End

6205 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Environmental Policy Legislation Political strategy Federal Government

The federal government has become complicated, making it hard for people to follow all the laws. This can lead to serious trouble even for innocent individuals.
Presidents have a lot of power to make decisions quickly through executive orders, which can change important policies without a lot of oversight.
Recent actions by President Biden to ban offshore drilling show how the government is shifting from traditional practices. This has left some groups happy while others are concerned about its long-term impact.

Freighthopping

7015 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Energy Policy Political trends Environmental Policy

Colorado has shifted from a swing state leaning Republican to strongly Democratic in recent elections. This change reflects a broader trend of leftward political movement in the state.
Governor Jared Polis is promoting renewable energy, especially wind power, which now generates a significant portion of Colorado's electricity. He seems to be inspired by policies from other progressive leaders.
An interesting proposal called SunTrain aims to transport renewable energy using trains instead of traditional power lines. This could provide a new way to move excess energy while utilizing existing rail infrastructure.

Seventh Plan’s the Charm

6232 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25

🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Sustainability Climate change International Collaboration

Japan relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, which makes having a strong energy plan very important for the country. They need reliable and cheap energy to stay competitive in the global economy.
After the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Japan's use of nuclear energy dropped significantly, but there are now efforts to reopen some reactors. This shift back to nuclear energy is seen as crucial for Japan's energy strategy.
The upcoming Seventh Strategic Energy Plan will outline Japan’s energy goals for the next few years. This plan will impact investments and the country's approach to energy efficiency and renewable sources.

Labor Laundering

6490 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25

💼 Business Supply Chain Global Trade Regulation Labor Rights Corporate ethics

Many electronic devices use cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where child labor is often involved in mining. This makes it hard for companies to claim their supply chains are free from issues.
China plays a major role in the solar panel supply chain, often using polysilicon that comes from regions known for forced labor. This creates challenges in ensuring products are ethically sourced.
The EU has introduced a law aimed at holding companies accountable for labor and environmental standards, but this could lead to conflicts, such as threats from Qatar to stop gas exports if they face penalties.

Ctrl+Alt+Delete

6570 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24

🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Environmental Crisis Government regulations

Wind and solar energy can't always provide power, especially during winter when the weather is less favorable. So, relying solely on these sources can leave countries without enough electricity.
Germany's decision to phase out nuclear energy is causing problems not just for itself but for neighboring countries too. This has resulted in rising energy prices and political tension in regions like Norway and Sweden.
A debate is happening in Germany about potentially bringing back nuclear energy as a reliable power source. It involves looking at the technical, political, and financial challenges of restarting their nuclear reactors.

Fit For Purpose

6134 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Cybernetics Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Energy

Cybernetics studies how information is used in complex systems, which helps in fields like AI and managing big teams. Understanding this can make complex situations easier to handle.
The principle of POSIWID means that the real purpose of a system is shown by what it actually does, not just what it says it aims for. This can help us see the truth behind many actions and motives.
Current hype around fusion energy suggests it might soon be commercially viable, but we should question if the excitement aligns with real progress or hidden agendas in energy politics.

Power Down Blunder

7469 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24

🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Policy Environmental Issues Global Warming

Australia has great potential for renewable energy like solar and wind, but things aren't going as smoothly as planned.
As they keep adding more renewable energy sources, the country is facing rising electricity prices and shortages, especially during peak demand times.
The government is now asking people to cut back on using appliances like dishwashers to help the struggling energy grid.

Alberta Clipper

6739 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Energy Politics Federalism

Canada has huge oil resources known as the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, which can supply energy for over a century.
There is ongoing conflict between Alberta's provincial government and the federal government over climate policies and emissions caps that could hurt Alberta's oil industry.
The battle between local and federal powers in Canada is heating up, especially with approaching elections bringing more attention to these energy issues.

Shift Shaping

8315 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Climate Policy Energy Government International relations

Trump's election may negatively impact climate change efforts, as many leaders are skipping important climate meetings. It seems fewer people are interested in tackling climate issues right now.
While Trump used to criticize climate agreements, his focus might now lean towards boosting American industries, even if it increases carbon emissions. He believes prioritizing local manufacturing is more important.
There's a belief that Trump's return to power could shift environmental policies significantly, possibly leading to a long-term impact on climate efforts and regulations. His supporters seem to back him partly due to discontent with current environmental strategies.

Irreconcilable Differences

7505 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24

🕹 Technology AI Energy Infrastructure Telecommunications Innovation

AI's need for power is too high for current energy grids. This means we might face problems trying to meet that demand.
What if new rules stopped data centers from using the main power grid? This could change how we think about energy sources.
If data centers found their own power, it could ease strain on existing grids. But, it would also create new challenges and shifts in the market.

Is The Chip War Already Lost?

5608 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trade Relations Geopolitics Sanctions Technology Policy

The U.S. has tightened sanctions on China, particularly in the semiconductor industry, to weaken its tech growth. This move aims to limit China's access to advanced chip manufacturing technology.
In response, China has imposed its own export restrictions, targeting materials critical for the tech industry in the U.S. This indicates that both countries are in an escalating trade war.
China's efforts to develop its own semiconductor capabilities are showing significant progress, raising concerns about its growing self-sufficiency in this critical industry.

Eight is Enough

6392 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Environmental Policy Political strategy Legislation

Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, is a strong political figure and is positioning himself for future opportunities as he cannot serve another term as governor. He has a powerful background and significant financial support.
California has special rules that allow it to set stricter vehicle emissions standards than the rest of the U.S., which has major impacts on the auto industry across the country.
The Biden administration has been slow to approve California's recent emissions waiver applications, and this could give California a lot more power in setting its own environmental rules, especially after Trump's election.

Their Democracy

7077 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Environmental Policy Public Opinion

Washington state has a very green energy mix, relying heavily on hydroelectric power, nuclear energy, and clean natural gas. This means they produce a lot of electricity without creating much pollution.
Residents in Washington mostly heat their homes with electricity, and there is a push for using heat pumps instead of traditional heating methods. This shows a trend toward using more electric options for home heating.
Recently, voters in Washington supported a measure to protect the use of natural gas despite the state's general lean towards environmental initiatives. This reflects a growing divide between urban and rural opinions on energy policies.

Empty Chambers

5101 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24

🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Affairs Economic Policy Resource Management

Tajikistan's economy relies heavily on remittances from migrant workers in Russia, making the relationship between the two countries very important.
China has invested a lot in Tajikistan and benefits from its natural resources, showing how connected these countries are through trade.
Recent export restrictions by China on critical minerals like antimony can affect the US, especially in military and technology sectors, increasing concerns in the Pentagon.

Gas Gobbler

5947 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24

🌍 World Politics Energy Policy Geopolitics International relations

Turkey is trying to become the main hub for natural gas in Europe. They want to take advantage of the energy crisis and their strategic location.
The recent election in Georgia shows a struggle between pro-Russian and pro-European forces. The results have raised questions about interference and democracy.
The energy routes in this region are very important. They connect different countries and are crucial for Turkey's goals and influence over Europe's energy supply.

Far From Grüven

7157 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24

💼 Business Economics Industry Energy Manufacturing Labor

Germany's automotive industry is struggling due to poor energy policies and reliance on expensive energy sources. This could lead to factory closures and job losses.
China is effectively using its energy resources to boost its production and economic strength, while European countries are facing the consequences of their energy choices.
Volkswagen's recent financial troubles highlight the bigger issues facing Germany's heavy industry, and there are urgent changes needed to avoid further decline.

Storage Units

6525 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24

🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Storage Environmental Policy Climate Science

Transitioning solely to renewable energy sources is risky because no region has successfully operated a reliable grid using only wind and solar power.
Building storage systems, like batteries, is expensive and may not solve the issues of reliability when renewables aren't producing energy.
Conducting small-scale experiments at home can help individuals understand how much backup power they really need when the grid is unstable.

October Surprise

7068 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24

🌍 World Politics International relations Middle East Military Strategy Energy markets Conflict analysis

Iran launched a significant missile attack on Israel that successfully hit multiple military bases, which surprised many observers.
This attack is causing a lot of concern in the energy markets, as there are fears Israel might retaliate by targeting Iranian oil facilities, potentially disrupting global oil supplies.
Interestingly, the potential for major escalation seems lower now, as the situation might lead to a steady state of tensions rather than outright conflict.

Indefensible

7229 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24

🕹 Technology Semiconductors Energy Policy Manufacturing Global Economy International relations

Taiwan has become a key player in the global semiconductor industry, producing a significant portion of the world's chips. This makes its technology sector very important to the global economy.
Taiwan struggles with energy supply, having faced numerous power outages in recent years. This energy crunch raises concerns about its ability to support its semiconductor manufacturing.
The island's history and political situation with China create additional stress. If tensions rise, Taiwan's energy vulnerabilities could be exploited, impacting its manufacturing capabilities.

Scientists Say

6757 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24

🔬 Science Climate change Meteorology Environmental Science Public Trust Scientific Integrity

Predictions for the hurricane season this year were very alarming, with many experts expecting a lot of severe storms. But as the season progressed, there were fewer storms than anticipated.
When hurricanes did occur, some were extremely powerful, but overall, the lack of activity puzzled scientists and led to discussions about climate change's role in future storm patterns.
Trust in scientists and experts has declined, as many people feel unsure about their predictions and analyses, highlighting a disconnect between scientific findings and public perception.

Plan D

6499 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24

🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Authoritarianism Resources Diplomacy

Turkmenistan, led by the late dictator Niyazov, created a unique cult of personality centered around himself with his image everywhere in the country.
After Niyazov's death, Turkmenistan remained an oppressive state under President Berdimuhamedov, known for its very low score on political rights and civil liberties.
The country has huge energy resources, especially natural gas, making it significant in global energy discussions, particularly concerning China's future energy needs.