The hottest Energy Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

How utilities and big oil broke the economic model of offshore wind

Jérôme à Paris • 1069 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Regulation Energy Policy Market Dynamics Corporate strategy
  1. Offshore wind is struggling right now because many companies are trying to sell their projects but are facing lower prices and high costs. Competition has dropped as big companies pushed out smaller players.
  2. Big utilities tried to regain control of the market through lobbying and moving into new areas, but this led to financial misjudgments and a bubble that has now burst, causing many to exit offshore wind.
  3. Despite the current challenges, offshore wind can still be a viable energy source especially in Europe, as countries look to create fair competition and avoid barriers that exclude smaller developers.

The Nuclear Narrative

The Last Bear Standing • 53 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Investment Analysis Energy Policy
  1. Nuclear power is getting a lot of hype and some companies are seeing big stock gains. This is partly because there's a growing demand for energy from datacenters.
  2. However, the nuclear industry has been shrinking for many years, with no new large plants in development and existing plants facing high costs and old age.
  3. Even though small nuclear reactors are in the works, they won't be ready soon and are unlikely to be cheap or meet the growing energy needs.

🐝⚛ Bees 1, Mark Zuckerberg's nuclear plans 0

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Nuclear Energy Biodiversity Regulatory Challenges Energy Policy
  1. A rare bee species stopped Mark Zuckerberg's plan for a nuclear-powered AI data center. The discovery created many environmental and regulatory issues.
  2. This situation is similar to a past case where a tiny fish halted a big dam project. It shows the tension between environmental protections and large infrastructure plans.
  3. There's a growing discussion about the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. as we face challenges in expanding clean energy.

Top Links 577 Smuggling oil. Bolivia's mounting crisis. Digging deeper for copper & art prices in the long run.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Energy Policy Geopolitics
  1. There is an ongoing issue of oil smuggling, especially involving imports to China from Iran and Venezuela, where they are labeled as coming from Malaysia.
  2. Bolivia is experiencing a significant crisis that is impacting its stability and economy.
  3. There's a trend of exploring deeper insights into the long-term pricing of copper and art, indicating a shift in how these markets might evolve.
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Suggestions to reform the German electricity market

Jérôme à Paris • 534 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Climate change Renewable Energy
  1. Germany needs to redesign its electricity market to make it more efficient and environmentally friendly. This means achieving reliable power delivery at the lowest cost while reducing carbon emissions.
  2. Renewable energy sources should not get special treatment, as they can already produce power at low costs. Instead, the focus should be on balancing supply and demand effectively without unnecessary subsidies.
  3. Smart meters must be rolled out faster to help households adjust their energy use and production. This would allow them to save money and contribute to a more stable electricity system.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #25

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Energy Policy Technology Policy Research Funding Infrastructure
  1. AI is creating a big boom in US construction, especially for data centers. Spending on these centers has grown a lot since the launch of ChatGPT.
  2. The US government has plans to triple its nuclear power by 2050. This is to keep up with the demand for clean energy as AI and industries grow.
  3. There is a push for a new research initiative to support advanced science fields like quantum computing. This aims to keep the US ahead in technology against competitive countries.

Germany Is Being Served Up on a Platter to the Far Right

Persuasion • 2240 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Energy Policy Climate change Far Right Politics Renewable Energy
  1. Germany's energy policies are leading to a decrease in electricity generation, impacting the economy and potentially fueling support for the far right.
  2. The transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar in Germany has not kept up with energy demand, causing reliance on fossil fuels.
  3. The shift away from nuclear power in Germany has resulted in challenges balancing the energy grid and economic consequences, contributing to dissatisfaction and political shifts.

⚡ What will power the future US economy?

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Economic Policy Environmental Policy
  1. Encouraging clean energy is important for the future economy. A good way to support this is through a carbon tax and removing unnecessary regulations.
  2. There's a proposal to end some subsidies for alternative fuels, while introducing a carbon tax that would go up over time. This could help make cleaner energy more competitive.
  3. It's tough to predict the best mix of energy sources years into the future. Relying on experts to decide specific energy goals may not be the best approach.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #22

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Economic Policy Political trends Environmental Issues Technology Policy
  1. A semiconductor plant in Arizona is performing better than one in Taiwan, which is good news for US manufacturing growth. This means the US is making strides in producing important tech products domestically.
  2. Construction productivity is struggling, showing negative growth for decades. Long approval times and strict regulations are hurting the industry's efficiency.
  3. More Democrats are starting to support nuclear power as a cleaner energy source. This shift is important for addressing climate change and meeting energy demands, as even major tech companies back nuclear projects.

Trains and transmission: A climate solution hiding in plain sight?

Urben Field Notes • 70 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Transportation Sustainability Infrastructure
  1. Building transmission lines along railroads can help reduce climate change and improve both passenger and freight train service. This idea uses existing land to create cleaner energy options and faster trains.
  2. Electrifying trains can lead to less pollution, faster travel, and more efficient freight shipping. New battery technologies make this more affordable than before.
  3. Government plans highlight the right areas for train electrification and better energy transmission. However, significant funding and cooperation will be necessary to turn these plans into reality.

☢️ Germany’s lost nuclear decade: A Quick Q&A with … energy researcher Jan Emblemsvåg

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear power Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Policy decisions
  1. Germany's decision to move away from nuclear power has resulted in significant financial losses and missed opportunities for cleaner energy. They could have saved a lot of money while maintaining their energy production.
  2. Public fear from past nuclear disasters, like Chernobyl and Fukushima, greatly influenced Germany's reluctance to rely on nuclear energy. This created strong political pressure against it over the years.
  3. Recently, there are signs that Germany might reconsider its stance on nuclear power due to rising energy costs and the diminishing influence of anti-nuclear political parties. Changes could happen in future elections.

Top Links 542 King coal. How Europe is still buying Russian gas. Big money is not speaking up for Harris & the Empresa de China.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Energy Policy Economics Geopolitics Environmental Issues
  1. Europe is still buying Russian gas despite the ongoing conflict, showing a complicated relationship with energy sources.
  2. Global coal consumption has hit record highs due to rising electricity demand around the world.
  3. There seems to be a lack of support from major investors for politicians like Harris and companies like Empresa de China.

European power reserves: part 2 - aFRR (and how solar is impacting it)

GEM Energy Analytics • 279 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Electricity Markets Solar Power
  1. The automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve (aFRR) is crucial for keeping the electricity system balanced in Europe, especially in countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
  2. Solar power is increasingly affecting aFRR prices. When there is a lot of solar energy, traditional power plants are less relied upon, which can lead to higher prices for flexibility in power reserves.
  3. As renewable energy grows, power systems will constantly switch between having too much and too little flexibility. This means power reserve prices could go up significantly during sunny periods.

Big Oil's Renewable Retreat: A Step Back in Time

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Climate change Corporate Responsibility Environmental Impact
  1. Big oil companies like BP, Shell, and Equinor are cutting back on their investments in renewable energy. This means they are spending less money on projects like wind farms.
  2. Shareholders are pressuring these companies because of losses in their renewable energy sectors. They are feeling the impact of high costs and project failures.
  3. This reduction in investment could slow down progress on fighting climate change, making it harder to meet global energy goals. Governments could help by offering incentives for these companies to keep investing in renewables.

Impact of solar on electricity prices: focus on Germany and Spain

GEM Energy Analytics • 619 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Electricity Markets Solar Power Energy Policy
  1. Solar power is growing quickly in Europe and is expected to double by 2027. This means more solar energy will be available to meet demand.
  2. In markets like Germany and Spain, solar energy lowers electricity prices because it has very low costs compared to fossil fuels. This creates a connection between the amount of solar energy produced and the price of electricity.
  3. Solar generation varies by season and day, impacting prices differently. For example, prices can drop significantly on sunny Sundays when demand is low and solar output is high.

How the German energy transition has committed taxpayers to paying billions of Euros for the sun to shine

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 169 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewables Climate change Environmental Economics Sustainability
  1. Germany's energy transition has made taxpayers pay billions for solar energy, even when supply exceeds demand. This means people are paying producers for electricity that isn't really needed.
  2. The costs for solar feed-in tariffs are rising every year, and future projections expect them to reach even higher levels. This could lead to major budget issues for the government.
  3. New rules for solar subsidies aim to prevent overproduction from larger solar farms, but smaller operators remain a problem without a clear solution. Many small solar users may not benefit from these changes.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 12.02.2025

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Energy Policy Election Issues Government Accountability International relations
  1. Norway's political crisis reflects a larger energy issue in Europe. The mistakes in Germany's energy policy are impacting Norway and other Nordic countries, causing rising electricity prices.
  2. The US government and its NGOs have been involved in influencing foreign narratives and politics. They've worked to control regions like Ukraine through funding and pressure against local leaders who promote peace.
  3. EU laws are heavily influenced by big business, often sidelining the public's interests. Lobbyists are working closely with politicians to shape regulations in their favor, leading to questions about democracy in decision-making.

Some data and thoughts on the complementarity between wind and solar

GEM Energy Analytics • 419 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Policy Sustainability Geography Climate change
  1. The combination of wind and solar power works better in different places. For example, Germany benefits more from wind, while southern countries like Greece get more from solar energy because of their climate.
  2. Wind and solar energy do not produce electricity at the same rate all the time. There are many hours when either one is low, so we need good storage solutions like batteries to keep the lights on.
  3. Geographical differences matter a lot in how we can balance renewable energy. Countries with rivers can store energy easily, but places like Germany and France have a hard time sharing power because their wind and solar outputs are similar.

On incentives for rooftop and utility-scale solar

GEM Energy Analytics • 299 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Solar energy Renewable Energy Energy Policy Market Dynamics Incentives
  1. Rooftop solar and utility-scale solar are quite different, even though they both use the same technology. Rooftop solar is small and connected to homes, while utility-scale solar is large and functions like a power plant.
  2. Incentives play a big role in how these solar systems behave in the market. Rooftop solar often lacks good incentives to respond to price changes, whereas utility-scale solar can better react to market prices.
  3. Both types of solar can be improved by better support schemes and incentives. It's important not just to generate energy but also to maximize its value in the market, ensuring more efficient and responsive use of solar power.

Links to Consider, 10/31/2024

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Gender Issues Energy Policy Cultural critique
  1. There are concerns about universities becoming less helpful and more like madrassas, which could harm scientific progress. Some people think we need to seriously rethink how universities operate.
  2. A new app called SocialAI lets users interact with AI-generated comments, creating a fake social network experience. This raises concerns about loneliness and real connections in our increasingly digital lives.
  3. Many men today feel that dating is harder and that their identities are being criticized. Surveys show that while people support gender equality, some men are feeling unwanted and frustrated.

Connecting the Dots this Week: Vanessa Beeley, Cynthia Chung and Dr. Aaron Good

Matt Ehret's Insights • 393 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Policy
  1. Upcoming radio show with Vanessa Beeley, Cynthia Chung, and Dr. Aaron Good discussing geopolitics, energy policy, and inside jobs.
  2. Past shows include interviews with historian Anton Chaitkin and Space Commune's Alex Dimitrios, available online.
  3. Additional documentaries and work available on platforms like Amazon and Canadian Patriot.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 26.01.2025

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Government Regulation International relations Political parties Climate change
  1. The EU's energy package seems to not really matter, but it could lead to a government crisis in Norway if pushed through. People are confused about whether these new laws are important or not.
  2. Slovakia is accusing Ukraine of launching a massive cyber attack against them, which could signal deeper political issues in the region involving foreign influences.
  3. In Norway, there is strong opposition against a major wind power project that threatens local nature and wildlife, showcasing a growing resistance against large energy developments.

Solar capture price in Germany: details on 2023 and prospects for 2024

GEM Energy Analytics • 339 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Solar energy Renewable Energy Energy Policy Sustainability
  1. Solar energy in Germany shows strong seasonal patterns, with the best month generating up to 12 times more power than the worst month. This means energy production is not consistent throughout the year.
  2. The average solar capture price in 2023 is 72 €/MWh, which is a capture rate of 75%. However, this rate is expected to decline in 2024 due to the increase in solar capacity.
  3. Germany is rapidly expanding its solar capacity, aiming for 215 GW by 2030. This increased capacity can lead to lower energy prices, especially during times of high solar generation.

X-Change: Batteries

Renewable Revolution • 299 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Sustainability Battery technology Energy Policy
  1. Battery demand is rising rapidly. Sales are doubling every few years, and this growth will help reduce fossil fuel use significantly.
  2. As battery production increases, costs go down and quality improves. This creates a cycle where more sectors start using batteries, from cars to energy storage.
  3. The push for battery technology is a global effort. Countries around the world are adopting and investing in batteries, which is crucial for reaching climate goals.

Who Blew Up Putin's Pipelines?

Diane Francis • 719 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics Investigative Journalism Energy Policy International relations US-Russia relations
  1. Several countries, including the U.S., Norway, and Ukraine, are being investigated for their possible roles in the explosions that destroyed Russian pipelines under the Baltic Sea. Each of these countries has denied involvement but also had reasons to benefit from the pipelines' destruction.
  2. Seymour Hersh, an investigative journalist, suggested that U.S. Navy divers planted explosives during a NATO exercise. The allegations sparked a debate, with various parties pointing fingers at each other, but no definitive proof has surfaced yet.
  3. The issue of insurance for the pipelines plays a significant role in this mystery. Depending on who is found responsible for the explosions, it could impact financial claims, potentially benefiting or hurting Russia's Gazprom.

Baseload price and the support to renewables

GEM Energy Analytics • 259 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Policy Electricity Markets Environmental Economics Sustainability
  1. Germany's energy market has seen a shift where renewable energy support is now funded by the federal budget instead of consumers. This change eases the financial burden on consumers.
  2. The price for electricity from renewables is influenced by baseload prices. Lower baseload prices can increase the financial needs for funding renewable projects.
  3. Support mechanisms like feed-in tariffs and market premiums help renewable producers when market prices drop. However, these systems also mean that funding needs can fluctuate with market prices.

The IEA's World Energy Outlook 2023

Renewable Revolution • 339 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Energy Policy Environmental Economics Global Warming
  1. Renewable energy is quickly growing and could supply half of all power by 2030. Electric vehicles are also set to increase significantly on the roads.
  2. China's demand for energy is slowing down, which is important because it has been a major factor in global energy growth. This could change where energy demand comes from.
  3. By 2030, we are likely to see big changes in the energy system. The transition to clean energy is already happening, and more investment is needed to reach climate goals.

The Solar Buildout

Syncretica • 314 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🔬 Science Solar energy Renewables Energy Policy
  1. Building solar power in regions with high sun hours is more economical and efficient.
  2. Solar power can be strategically placed based on demand, like in coastal regions with high air conditioning demand.
  3. Transitioning to solar power impacts traditional energy sources like gas and coal, potentially leading to energy independence.

Solar cannibalization: more details

GEM Energy Analytics • 399 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Solar energy Market Dynamics Energy Policy Sustainability
  1. Solar energy is growing rapidly, but it faces a challenge called solar cannibalization, where high production leads to lower market prices. This means that when solar output is high, producers earn less money.
  2. The effect of solar cannibalization is expected to increase as more solar capacity comes online, especially during sunny months when energy supply exceeds demand. This could result in financial strain for solar power projects.
  3. Solutions that help manage electricity demand, like flexible uses of power and smart technology, may not be enough to balance the market. Policymakers need to better understand these dynamics as solar capacity expands.

Japan and Climate, Not As Bad As It Looks, Part II

Japan Economy Watch • 279 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Electric Vehicles Emissions Reduction Energy Policy Climate Policy
  1. Japan played a significant role in pioneering solar energy and electric vehicles, contributing to the fight against climate change.
  2. The 2010 Strategic Energy Plan in Japan aimed to increase low-carbon electricity, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and promote renewable energy and nuclear power.
  3. The Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan led to policy changes, shifts in energy sources, and a new political focus on climate-friendly initiatives.

The imperfect LCOE and CfD

GEM Energy Analytics • 439 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Electricity Markets Cost Analysis Sustainability
  1. LCOE is not a reliable measure for wind and solar energy. It can mislead comparisons and decisions about energy costs.
  2. The value of electricity changes over time, especially for renewables. When the sun is shining or the wind is blowing, electricity prices can drop, making more generation less valuable.
  3. Support programs like Contract-for-Difference (CfD) might help producers but can hurt the overall system. They do not encourage efficient energy production based on market prices.

Fortress North America

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Geopolitics Environmental Issues Resource Management Economic strategy
  1. Germany's move to stop using nuclear power made it depend on Russian energy, highlighting how important energy independence is for countries. Now, many are reconsidering their energy policies.
  2. North America could work better together to manage its energy resources and reduce reliance on OPEC countries. By teaming up, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico could supply energy to themselves and help allies like Europe.
  3. Fossil fuels will still be necessary for a long time, and using a mix of energy sources, including renewables and nuclear, is realistic. Proper planning can help reduce emissions while still meeting energy needs.

Why is my Electric Company Using Uber-Style Surge Pricing?

JoeWrote • 33 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Energy Policy Economic Theory
  1. Xcel Energy is using surge pricing for electricity to increase profits, especially during peak hours. This could make it hard for people to manage their bills.
  2. The idea that capitalism leads to innovation is challenged, as many believe companies find new ways to charge more rather than truly improve consumer life.
  3. Consumers feel trapped by energy monopolies, and experts suggest shifting towards public utilities for better service and prices.

Market price and solar: a simple model

GEM Energy Analytics • 219 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Solar Power Energy Policy Market Dynamics Environmental Impact
  1. As solar energy grows, market prices for electricity tend to drop. This happens because more solar energy can lead to overproduction, causing prices to fall.
  2. There's a limit to how much solar energy can be valuable. If too many solar panels are added, the overall market value can actually go down, which means the captured value for producers diminishes.
  3. The way consumers use electricity will change, but it's not easy. They might shift their usage to match solar energy production, but many obstacles could prevent this from happening.

House AI Task Force Faces Escalating Defense and Energy Challenges

From the New World • 10 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Energy Policy AI Policy Bipartisan Issues Government oversight
  1. The House AI Task Force report highlights a strong focus on using AI for national security and defense. This means that technology will play a big role in keeping the country safe.
  2. The report also discusses the increasing demand for electricity due to AI and other technologies. As this demand grows, we need to find better ways to supply energy.
  3. Additionally, it recommends supporting new energy projects and easing regulations. This will help us handle the rising need for electricity more effectively.

The solar cannibalization effect

GEM Energy Analytics • 359 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Solar energy Energy Policy Market Dynamics Environmental Impact
  1. Solar energy is growing quickly in Europe, with expectations to reach significant capacity by 2030. This could lead to solar generation being a large part of the electricity supply.
  2. As more solar energy is produced, captured prices for electricity are decreasing because solar generates more when prices are lower. This is called the cannibalization effect.
  3. To deal with the challenges of lower prices and a high concentration of solar power, solutions like energy storage and flexible systems are needed, but the necessary regulations are still catching up.

Where to put solar for maximal emissions reduction?

GEM Energy Analytics • 199 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Carbon Emissions Solar Power Energy Policy Sustainability
  1. Solar panels help reduce carbon emissions, but the best place to put them matters a lot. Areas that rely heavily on coal or gas for power see bigger benefits when switching to solar.
  2. The amount of energy a solar panel can produce depends on where it is installed. For example, sunnier places generate more energy, meaning they can offset more emissions.
  3. The environmental impact also varies based on how solar panels are made and installed. In some cases, it can take just a few months to offset emissions, while in others, it might take many years.

Green Hydrogen, bidding zones, and the green grid exception

GEM Energy Analytics • 139 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Policy Sustainability Environmental Economics
  1. Green hydrogen production in Europe must meet strict rules to ensure it's sourced from renewable energy. These rules include standards for additionality, geographic, and temporal correlation to confirm the electricity is genuinely green.
  2. The 'green grid' exception allows hydrogen producers in certain high-renewable bidding zones to bypass some of these strict rules. This means they can count their hydrogen as renewable without developing additional renewable energy sources.
  3. As European countries consider increasing the number of bidding zones, there are concerns that this might lead to less efficient use of renewable electricity. It's important to ensure that the hydrogen production doesn’t divert green energy from more direct uses like heating or electric vehicles.