The hottest Energy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

How Batteries Are Making the Electrical Grid More Reliable

Construction Physics • 18999 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Energy Electronics Sustainability Renewables Infrastructure
  1. Batteries help keep the electrical grid stable by balancing the supply and demand of electricity. They can quickly charge and discharge, making it easier to match electricity use with what power plants produce.
  2. The use of batteries in places like California and Texas has grown a lot, making them a key part of the power grid. They help prevent outages and reduce electricity costs by storing cheap energy for when it's needed later.
  3. Batteries can also improve grid reliability by providing fast response to sudden changes in power demand. This is done using advanced technology that allows them to stabilize electricity flow without relying on traditional power plants.

Battery Component Price Report: October 2024

Intercalation Station • 59 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Energy Batteries Sustainability Manufacturing Market Trends
  1. LFP battery prices are still under $50 per kWh. This means it’s a good time for consumers looking for affordable energy solutions.
  2. The report tracks battery component prices every month. Following the trends can help understand the market better.
  3. Subscribing gives access to exclusive updates and resources. It's a way to stay informed about changes in the battery industry.

Reading List for 06/14/25

Construction Physics • 8768 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Robotics AI Infrastructure Energy Innovation
  1. A new executive order in the US is lifting the ban on supersonic flight over land, changing it to a noise-based standard. This could allow quieter supersonic jets to fly legally, which is a big step forward for aviation.
  2. Figure AI showcased a humanoid robot that can autonomously handle various package types efficiently. This demonstration highlights significant progress in robotic dexterity and the use of advanced AI models.
  3. There's a discussion about the data needed to train robots effectively, which is currently tough to gather. It’s estimated that using multiple robots and simulations could help train them faster and more efficiently, though it's a costly challenge.

Reading List for 06/07/2025

Construction Physics • 11065 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Energy Housing Infrastructure Regulations Manufacturing
  1. The US battery storage industry is facing challenges, including layoffs and rising costs from tariffs. This makes the future of battery storage uncertain.
  2. Affordable housing in the US is often expensive to build, due to complicated financing and various requirements. This leads to higher costs, despite being labeled 'affordable.'
  3. A map shows housing affordability across US counties, revealing areas where housing is expensive compared to income. Scenic areas often have high housing costs, even with low populations.

Reading List for 05/31/2025

Construction Physics • 8977 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🕹 Technology Energy Infrastructure Nuclear Automotive Environment
  1. Wind farms can create 'wind shadows' that harm energy production for neighboring turbines. This has led to competition among developers, often resulting in rushed planning and environmental neglect.
  2. Nuclear power could become cheaper if safety rules, like the 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable' policy, are reconsidered. Overly strict regulations can drive up costs and make nuclear energy less viable.
  3. Chinese car company BYD is cutting EV prices significantly, which is helping it gain market share. In contrast, GM is investing in traditional combustion engines due to slowing EV sales.
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Deep dive in hybrid battery packs

Intercalation Station • 159 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Batteries Energy Electronics Automotive Innovation
  1. Hybrid battery packs mix different battery chemistries to improve performance. This allows for better energy management and potentially raises the accuracy of state-of-charge readings.
  2. These new packs can perform better in low temperatures and support faster charging. By combining different cell types, they can work more efficiently across different conditions.
  3. While hybrid batteries have advantages, they can also be more expensive and heavier. This extra cost might make them less appealing for some applications, though prices for certain battery types are dropping.

The NRC's Abuse of PRA

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Government Public Policy Compliance Energy
  1. The NRC claims to calculate the probability of a release using PRA, but this is misleading. They only look at certain paths and ignore many other possible scenarios.
  2. There are countless ways a release could happen, and focusing only on a few higher probability paths does not guarantee safety.
  3. The core issue isn't the method of reliability analysis itself, but how the NRC misuses it in their approach.

A Letter to Elon

Gordian Knot News • 461 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulation Energy Science Public Policy
  1. The Hanford Reservation is wasting huge amounts of taxpayer money on cleanup efforts that don't actually reduce radiation. The cleanup costs could reach up to $600 billion without making real progress.
  2. The Low Dose Hypothesis (LNT) is questioned because it's believed that our bodies have strong systems to repair damage from radiation. Many people think LNT isn't necessarily true and might even be outdated.
  3. If a new, more accurate model for radiation harm was used, it could save money and allow for cheaper and safer nuclear power. This change could help nuclear energy reach its full potential.

What Learning by Doing Looks Like

Construction Physics • 25889 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Innovation Research Manufacturing Energy
  1. Learning curves show that the more something is produced, the cheaper it gets. This happens because experience helps make production more efficient.
  2. The evolution of polycrystalline diamond drill bits shows that real-world experience is key to improving technology. Companies learned from failures and made better bits over time.
  3. Understanding how different bits work in different rocks was crucial for progress. Customizing the design of drill bits based on experience led to much better drilling performance.

Reading List 02/01/2025

Construction Physics • 13779 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Data Centers Energy Automotive Manufacturing
  1. Coal power is declining in the US, with many plants converting to natural gas. This shift is largely due to the cheaper cost of natural gas compared to coal.
  2. India is planning to build a massive data center capable of three gigawatts. This would make it the largest data center in the world, responding to a growing demand for AI processing power.
  3. German car manufacturers are facing tough challenges as competition from Chinese automakers grows. Many companies are cutting jobs and exploring partnerships to stay competitive in the market.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #34

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Energy Market research Automation Economics
  1. A new tool in ChatGPT can help with deep research by quickly analyzing information and providing organized reports. This makes it easier for people in schools and businesses to get useful insights.
  2. France is benefiting from its strong nuclear energy production, which keeps electricity prices lower compared to Germany. This helps France avoid the high costs associated with gas and coal.
  3. The push for cleaner energy is gaining speed, as countries like France are moving away from expensive fossil fuels. This shift is important for both economic stability and environmental health.

Top Links 754 Exxon's long plateau. Banana economics. Modal magic & the General of Physics.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💰 Finance Economics Energy Markets Investments Policy
  1. ExxonMobil is not rapidly expanding its fossil fuel production. This suggests a more stable or declining phase for the company rather than aggressive growth.
  2. The content focuses on varied topics like economics and physics, indicating a diverse range of interests and insights.
  3. The support of subscribers is essential for maintaining the platform, highlighting the importance of community in content creation.

Are Hydrocarbons Really “Fossil” Fuels?

Doomberg • 249 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🔬 Science Energy Geology Environmental Research Innovation
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Notes From The Progress Studies Conference

Astral Codex Ten • 23813 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Energy Innovation AI Regulation Progress
  1. Progress Studies is a new field aimed at understanding and improving human progress. It's seen as important despite some initial pushback, similar to how other social studies emerged.
  2. Solar energy is rapidly improving and could become very cheap, making it a major player in addressing energy needs. Advances in solar and storage technology are seen as key to a more sustainable future.
  3. Regulations are often seen as a barrier to progress in various sectors, from energy to housing. Many attendees at the conference believe smarter regulation could greatly enhance innovation and development.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #33

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Transportation Energy Military
  1. Boom Supersonic is working on a new jet that can fly really fast, like the Concorde. They aim to take people from London to Miami in under five hours, but they have some challenges to overcome.
  2. A new project by DARPA shows that one person can control many robots at once. This could change how we do things in the military and other industries by making robot teamwork easier.
  3. The Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Iowa might reopen by 2028. This is part of a trend to bring back nuclear energy as it can provide clean and reliable power, especially with rising energy needs.

Law Wars

Doomberg • 8057 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Environment Energy Regulation Corporate Governance
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #30

Faster, Please! • 1188 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Space Energy Health
  1. New advancements in nuclear fusion research are making it more likely to achieve clean energy from nuclear fusion, which could be a big step for sustainable energy.
  2. Uber and Lyft are shifting from developing self-driving cars to using other companies' technologies for driverless taxis, aiming to be platforms for this emerging market.
  3. AI technology is being used in innovative ways, like interpreting speech through throat vibrations, which can help people with speech difficulties.

Deep Fear!

Aether Pirates of the Matterium! • 18455 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Military Artificial Intelligence Energy Society Innovation
  1. Military analysts are afraid of the future and the rapid advancement of technology.
  2. Tech-minded individuals are seen as a threat by the military due to their knowledge and innovative capabilities.
  3. The release of Zero Point Technology to the public, especially techies, is a major concern for the military as it would shift power dynamics significantly.

Reading List 12/21/2024

Construction Physics • 10230 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy Transportation Aerospace Policy
  1. Commercial fusion energy is making progress with a new reactor that could generate power for many homes and create jobs.
  2. Boom Technology secured $100 million to develop a supersonic airliner, but its future remains uncertain due to challenges in airplane engine development.
  3. There's growing interest in using airships for cargo transport, as they can be more efficient than ships and planes for certain distances.

State-by-state electricity mixes and prices in the United States

Sustainability by numbers • 279 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Electricity Policy Data
  1. There are interactive slide decks available that show how electricity sources and prices vary across different states in the US. This makes it easy for people to understand where their electricity comes from.
  2. The slide decks get updated with new data to reflect changes in energy policy and the electricity market over time. It's helpful for anyone interested in seeing the latest trends and figures.
  3. Users can freely explore the data on electricity mixes and prices without needing permission, promoting accessibility and awareness about energy consumption.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #31

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Space Biotech Energy Healthcare
  1. New obesity drugs are being developed that can help people lose a lot of weight quickly. These breakthroughs could make treatments more accessible and affordable for many people.
  2. Companies are working on exciting projects like reviving extinct species and creating new ways to explore the moon. These innovations could greatly impact conservation and space travel.
  3. There are serious challenges ahead, like rising dementia cases and declining birth rates, which could hurt the economy. Without action, these issues could have major effects on future generations.

Reading List 12/07/24

Construction Physics • 9395 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy Battery tech Aerospace
  1. Many of the biggest cities in the U.S. are seeing strong economic growth post-COVID, with Austin being the fastest at 30%. This shows how some areas are bouncing back well after the pandemic.
  2. There are many bans on wind and solar energy projects in certain U.S. counties. This could slow down the growth of clean energy despite its importance for fighting climate change.
  3. SpaceX is breaking records with its rocket launches, planning to launch as many rockets in a year as NASA's Space Shuttle did in its entire history. This shows how quickly the space industry is advancing.

Reading List for 11/30/24

Construction Physics • 9186 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Construction Automotive Technology Environment
  1. High-rise construction is booming in Canada, with many Canadian cities leading in the number of skyscrapers being built compared to US cities.
  2. Mild hybrids, which are cars that use a small electric motor to support a gasoline engine, are becoming popular in Europe due to stricter emissions regulations.
  3. Offshore oil drilling is seeing a revival, as companies invest heavily in new technologies and seek new sources of oil in response to rising energy prices.

Reading List for 11/23/24

Construction Physics • 8977 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Construction Automation Robotics Energy Climate
  1. Shipping disruptions can lead to huge costs, like the $89 million loss from a single incident in the Suez Canal. Overall, global shipping costs could reach around $600 million from such events.
  2. Robots that perform specific construction tasks, like roofing, are becoming more common. Companies are focusing on automating certain jobs to improve efficiency in construction projects.
  3. Fusion energy investments are rising, with over $2.5 billion put into it in 2024. Countries like China are significantly increasing their spending on fusion technology.

Fit For Purpose

Doomberg • 6134 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Cybernetics Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Energy
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Visit to Bataan NPP, 2013-09

Gordian Knot News • 124 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Energy Nuclear Infrastructure Environment Urban planning
  1. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was nearly finished but never started due to political issues. It had been built during Marcos' regime but was halted after his overthrow.
  2. The plant has been neglected since the 1980s, meaning it suffers from damage and requires significant investment to be operational again. Some believe it could be revived in the future with the right leadership.
  3. Despite being outdated in some ways, the plant's control systems are considered reliable since they don't have software vulnerabilities. There's a discussion about improving monitoring without losing the existing analog system.

⚛️🌟 Our fusion future: A Quick Q&A with … nuclear engineer Michael Ford

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🔬 Science Energy Engineering Physics Technology Research
  1. Fusion energy has great potential and is seen as safer than fission because it doesn't have the same risks of catastrophic accidents.
  2. Many companies are investing in fusion technology, which is leading to a quicker development pace than in the past.
  3. Public perception and understanding of fusion will be important for its acceptance and can affect the costs and deployment of fusion power systems.

Shift Shaping

Doomberg • 8315 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Climate Policy Energy Government International relations
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Doomberg • 7505 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Energy Infrastructure Telecommunications Innovation
  1. AI's need for power is too high for current energy grids. This means we might face problems trying to meet that demand.
  2. What if new rules stopped data centers from using the main power grid? This could change how we think about energy sources.
  3. 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.

Far From Grüven

Doomberg • 7157 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Industry Energy Manufacturing Labor
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Volkswagen's recent financial troubles highlight the bigger issues facing Germany's heavy industry, and there are urgent changes needed to avoid further decline.

At least five things for your weekend (#30)

Noahpinion • 15235 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Energy Social media Urban planning
  1. Consumer sentiment may not always align with economic fundamentals like interest rates or unemployment, showing the influence of 'vibes' and media narratives.
  2. Tokyo and Seoul have a unique city development pattern with gradually sloping density, allowing for more people without feeling crowded, achieved through upzoning suburbs and excellent train systems.
  3. The age of energy abundance is upon us as technologies like solar power and batteries become cheaper, alongside increased fossil fuel drilling in the U.S.

Solar Panels for Collapse, Are They Worth It? Here's an Honest Answer.

OK Doomer • 114 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Disaster Community Property
  1. Installing solar panels can be a smart move during power outages or natural disasters. They helped one family during a tornado, allowing them to stay in their home instead of facing a difficult situation.
  2. While solar panels can add value to a home and provide energy security, they also come with risks. It's important to consider whether they are truly worth the investment based on individual needs and local conditions.
  3. Finding scalable and adaptable solutions, rather than just relying on expensive setups, is key. Community support and cheaper options may be more beneficial in the long run.

Plan D

Doomberg • 6499 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Authoritarianism Resources Diplomacy
  1. Turkmenistan, led by the late dictator Niyazov, created a unique cult of personality centered around himself with his image everywhere in the country.
  2. After Niyazov's death, Turkmenistan remained an oppressive state under President Berdimuhamedov, known for its very low score on political rights and civil liberties.
  3. The country has huge energy resources, especially natural gas, making it significant in global energy discussions, particularly concerning China's future energy needs.

4.5 An Introduction to Electromagnetic Models

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 28 Aug 24
🔬 Science Physics Energy Electromagnetism Models Theory
  1. Electromagnetic energy can flow along wires due to charge imbalances. This creates electric and magnetic fields that help guide the energy.
  2. There are different viewpoints on what influences electromagnetic behavior the most: charges and currents, fields, or energy itself. Each aspect plays a role in how energy moves.
  3. Understanding these concepts can lead to better insights into electromagnetic models, but it can be complex since many elements are connected and affect each other.

Some early lessons of 2024 in the energy sector

Jérôme à Paris • 510 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Policy Investments Market Trends
  1. Solar energy is growing really fast, leading to more electricity than we often need, causing prices to drop sometimes.
  2. Energy storage is becoming super important to handle all the extra solar power, but keeping up with the growth is tricky.
  3. Despite talk of a big rise in energy demand, actual usage is mostly stable or even going down in many places, especially in Europe.

4.4.2 The Catt Question

Fields & Energy • 319 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🔬 Science Electromagnetism Electricity Physics Energy Engineering
  1. When a voltage is applied to a transmission line, it creates a net positive charge in the top wire and a net negative charge in the bottom wire. This happens as electrons move under the influence of the electric field set by the voltage.
  2. While it seems like charge must move quickly with the wavefront, it is actually the density of charges that changes. The actual movement of electrons is slow compared to the speed of light.
  3. Understanding how charges interact with electric fields helps explain electrical conductivity and related effects. Electromagnetic phenomena involve more than just moving charges; the interaction of fields and energy is also crucial.

At least five interesting things for your weekend (#26)

Noahpinion • 13059 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Energy Education Wealth Healthcare
  1. The U.S. economy is thriving, with real growth, increased wages, high employment rates, and a booming stock market.
  2. The U.S. energy supply is abundant due to investments in shale oil production, keeping prices moderate and potentially boosting the economy even further.
  3. Millennials and Gen Z are doing well economically, with wealth accumulation surpassing previous generations at a similar age, especially in real estate.

All the arguments against EVs are wrong

Noahpinion • 26118 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🕹 Technology Transportation Energy Environment Social Impact Innovation
  1. Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming more popular worldwide, supported by improved technology and falling battery prices.
  2. There are concerns about the availability of minerals for EV production, but advancements in mining technology and growing lithium reserves offer hope.
  3. EVs have environmental benefits compared to gas cars, including reducing carbon emissions and offering more efficient energy use.

Three threats to the age of energy abundance

Noahpinion • 7470 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Energy Crypto AI Renewables
  1. The world is experiencing a new age of energy abundance due to advancements in solar power, batteries, and other renewable technologies, leading to increased productivity and numerous possibilities for innovation.
  2. Potential threats to this energy abundance come from the increasing demand for electricity driven by new digital technologies like Bitcoin and AI, as well as challenges in connecting new power sources to the U.S. electrical grid.
  3. Electricity demand in the U.S. is unexpectedly rising again after years of being flat, creating a need for better preparation and planning to meet the surging demand.