The hottest Energy transition Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Full Circle

Doomberg • 8635 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Global impact Energy transition
  1. Germany's energy strategy has led to a self-induced mess with the dismantling of nuclear reactors and reliance on coal, showing the consequences of climate initiatives on a national scale.
  2. The destruction of Nord Stream pipelines has raised questions about the involvement of political leaders and the lack of clarity or accountability regarding the incidents.
  3. Germany's shift towards expanding gas-fired power plants to compensate for the exit from coal showcases the challenges and complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

Climate Policy Rethink

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1236 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate targets Equity Energy transition
  1. Climate policy targets and timetables need to be revisited as the Paris Agreement targets are infeasible, requiring a reassessment of what is realistically achievable.
  2. Global equity needs to be prioritized alongside emissions reductions in climate scenarios, as current projections indicate increased economic inequities.
  3. Scenarios guiding climate policy are biased towards coal energy expansion, highlighting the importance of refocusing efforts on transitioning away from coal for effective decarbonization.

How now green cow?

Irina Slav on energy • 1729 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics European Union Energy transition Climate change
  1. The European Union needs to act fast on climate policy to avoid a right-wing shift in upcoming elections.
  2. People in Europe are starting to question the promises and impacts of the energy transition.
  3. The current EU leadership's approach to the energy transition is facing growing resistance, especially due to its impact on cost of living and quality of life.
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Chartbook 259 Germany's CO2 emissions plunge. But all is not at it seems

Chartbook • 1831 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Emissions Renewables Government Energy transition Climate targets
  1. Germany's CO2 emissions fell by 20%, showing a significant reduction in coal-fired power generation.
  2. Renewable energy production increased by 5%, with solar power setting a record in 2023 in Germany.
  3. Emissions in buildings and transportation sectors remained unchanged, missing climate goals, requiring more action.

Causal Effects

Doomberg • 7407 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy transition
  1. The article discusses the rising trend of power outages in the US due to extreme weather and how it affects different socio-economic groups.
  2. It questions the narrative that blames climate change solely for power grid instability, highlighting the role of policy decisions like investing in intermittent energy sources.
  3. The text also critiques the German approach to energy policy, emphasizing the potential consequences of their shift towards renewable energy sources.

The German energy transition threatens to be an unaffordable, unrealisable disaster, according to the government's own independent auditors

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 205 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Renewable Energy Government oversight
  1. Independent auditors warn that German energy transition is unsustainable due to lack of reliable backup power for intermittent renewable sources.
  2. Germany is far behind in reaching renewable energy installation targets, needing a significant increase in wind and solar project installations.
  3. Massive grid expansions required for the energy transition in Germany are still inadequate, leading to doubts about the project's feasibility and affordability.

The COP is the Scoreboard, not the Game

The Crucial Years • 926 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Activism Energy transition Climate Crisis Greenwashing
  1. The COP negotiations serve as a way to talk and pressure each other but do not have legislative authority
  2. The outcomes at COP reflect the current state of the world and political pressure from mobilized people
  3. Language and agreements at COP do not immediately translate into tangible action, requiring further activism at the local level

Boom Boom

Cold Eye Earth (formerly The Gregor Letter) • 216 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policies Emissions Reduction Energy transition Political Ideology
  1. The US economy is booming with balanced growth, largely due to increased investment in infrastructure and domestic output.
  2. Coal in the US power sector is declining steeply, soon to be surpassed by combined wind and solar energy sources.
  3. Emissions reduction progress in the US has slowed significantly, especially with rising natural gas consumption and transport sector emissions.

Numlock Sunday: James Temple on the mine with 2.4 million vehicles in it

Numlock News • 137 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Mining Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Energy transition
  1. A single nickel mine in Minnesota could unlock billions in EV subsidies, impacting electrification and consumers.
  2. Understanding the specific impacts of mining projects and legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act can shed light on climate goals and community conflicts.
  3. Navigating the politics of climate change on the ground involves balancing trade-offs, ensuring open dialogue, and making informed decisions about environmental impacts.

A few basic truths about offshore wind

Jérôme à Paris • 510 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Offshore Wind Decarbonization Energy transition Supply Chain
  1. Offshore wind was meant to be more expensive and a side show in the energy transition.
  2. Banks took construction risks initially, leading to offshore wind being almost as cheap as onshore wind in some regions.
  3. Offshore wind is necessary in some places due to geographical constraints and can provide diversification in renewable energy systems.

The Eight Deadly Sins of Analyzing the Energy Transition

Climateer • 302 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy transition Podcasts
  1. The Eight Deadly Sins of Analyzing the Energy Transition discusses common mistakes in predicting the transition to clean technologies.
  2. Recommended climate podcasts include Volts, Catalyst, Cleaning Up, The Energy Transition Show, and My Climate Journey.
  3. Consider subscribing for occasional linkposts with interesting climate change articles and podcast recommendations.

Cobalt, Copper and Colonialism

Climate In Colour • 117 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Colonialism Energy transition
  1. The Democratic Republic of the Congo holds significant cobalt and copper reserves, important for energy transition and technology manufacturing.
  2. Companies from around the world, like China and Canada, are investing in these resources, but the region has a history of colonial exploitation.
  3. Climate In Colour's Deep Dives provide insightful reads on climate justice, science, and technology intersection.

Finding Barakah: The country where clean energy is a blessing

Everything is Light • 589 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Clean Energy Environmental Impact Collaboration Energy transition
  1. The United Arab Emirates' Barakah nuclear power plant is a significant step towards transitioning to clean energy.
  2. The collaboration and cooperation between the UAE and South Korea in building the Barakah power plant is a model for international partnerships.
  3. The UAE's focus on developing national talent for operating the nuclear power plant showcases a commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

We have enough minerals for the energy transition, but medium-term supply is a challenge [Part 1]

Sustainability by numbers • 163 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Minerals Energy transition EVs Renewable Energy
  1. There are enough minerals for the energy transition, focusing on low-carbon electricity systems
  2. Supply and demand of minerals can change over time, making long-term projections uncertain
  3. Markets can incentivize exploration and material substitution to prevent mineral shortages

We have enough minerals for the energy transition, but medium-term supply is a challenge [Part 2]

Sustainability by numbers • 150 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Minerals Energy transition Supply Recycling
  1. Short- and medium-term supply of minerals for the energy transition is a challenge that requires increased recycling, substitution, mining, and refining capacity.
  2. The time it takes to discover new mineral deposits, open mines, and scale up refining capacity can create bottlenecks in the short- and medium-term.
  3. To meet the growing mineral demand by 2030, there is a need to accelerate new mine openings, build refining capacity, and ensure strong environmental and social oversight.

The low-carbon energy transition will need less mining than fossil fuels, even when adjusted for waste rock

Sustainability by numbers • 201 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Mining Recycling
  1. Low-carbon energy transition requires less mining than fossil fuels, even when accounting for waste rock.
  2. Material requirements for low-carbon technologies are still lower than current mining requirements for fossil fuels.
  3. Electrification for vehicles will increase material requirements, but overall material needs will decrease with an energy transition.

Why the World is Watching Houston's Remarkable Energy Transition

This Week in MCJ (My Climate Journey) • 176 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Climate tech Decarbonization
  1. Houston's remarkable energy transition is being closely watched by the world due to its industrial prowess and diverse workforce.
  2. Perceptions of Houston as a city focused on preserving the energy status quo are changing as traditional energy companies are investing in clean technologies.
  3. Houston has the opportunity to become a leader in climate tech by leveraging its resources, attracting investment, and supporting climate-focused startups.

Beyond Gigafactories

Material World • 229 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🕹 Technology Industrialization Energy transition Supply Chain
  1. Gigafactories are important for countries' car industries to keep high-skilled jobs and stay competitive in the shift to electric vehicles.
  2. The value in electric cars is mainly in the battery, which is prompting the need for countries to develop their own battery and component manufacturing.
  3. Building gigafactories is just the start - countries also need to focus on producing the chemicals and materials that go into batteries to truly benefit from the electric vehicle market.

The Power of the Earth

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Geothermal Energy Renewable Energy Energy transition
  1. Geothermal energy, originating from the Earth's core, offers a clean and abundant energy source.
  2. Innovative drilling methods using millimeter waves show potential to revolutionize deep geothermal projects.
  3. Geothermal power has the potential to provide continuous, clean energy on a global scale, but requires further technological advancements and support from governments.

China's Energy Transition Part 2

TP’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Carbon Footprint
  1. China's power grid is rapidly transitioning to low carbon technologies, but other sectors beyond electricity, like transportation and industries, need to be decarbonized as well.
  2. China imports a significant amount of crude oil, natural gas, and refined oil products, spending over $300 billion per year on these fossil fuels, with most usage being outside of electricity generation.
  3. China's progress in electrifying passenger vehicles is notable, with a shift towards new energy vehicles (NEVs) leading to a potential collapse in gasoline demand in the next 5 years, although commercial vehicle electrification lags behind.

EU's critical minerals, nickel labor, and EVs may not cut it for auto sector

Green Rocks • 78 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Mining Renewables Energy transition Sustainability Biodiversity
  1. Climate technologies require huge amounts of metal, impacting mining and emissions reduction efforts.
  2. Concerns rise over labor conditions in Indonesia's booming nickel industry with reports of worker mistreatment.
  3. The auto sector faces challenges in meeting climate goals, requiring carbon standard agreements and increased renewable energy use.

Buildings as Power Plants

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy transition Decentralization Sustainability
  1. The virtual power plant (VPP) opportunity exists in sub-scale, BTM assets.
  2. Storage is the keystone of the energy transition. With storage, you are the market maker, unlike solar, where you're the price taker.
  3. Higher volatility strengthens the business case for storage and VPPs. As the grid becomes more volatile, buildings will turn to decentralized energy sources. Combining storage and VPPs enables buildings to operate as power producers.

Navigating the Energy Transition Amidst Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 25 Mar 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Renewable Energy Natural Gas
  1. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has significant impacts on global energy markets due to Russia's key role as a major energy supplier.
  2. The crisis may lead to challenges in the supply chain for renewable energy materials like rare earth minerals, potentially impacting the production of green technologies like EVs.
  3. The need for energy independence and security may drive a shift towards natural gas in the short term, highlighting the importance of investing in grid infrastructure for a successful energy transition.