The hottest Energy transition Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Top Links 755 The non-drama of America's energy transition. Muscling Starlink into Gambia. The weirdness of Neom & 1930s aero.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Sustainability Technological Innovation
  1. America's energy transition is happening slowly but steadily. The demand for electricity is starting to grow again, similar to the rates we saw in the 1990s.
  2. Starlink is making efforts to expand its internet service in Gambia. This could help improve internet access in the region.
  3. The Neom project has some unusual elements that remind us of 1930s aviation design. It's a mix of old ideas and futuristic plans.

My Back Pages: Stranded Assets and Our Climate Future

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Energy transition
  1. It's important not to overcomplicate solutions with too many strict requirements. Keeping it simple can help in finding effective answers.
  2. Voter control over political parties is crucial. If voters don't guide the system, they might need to start their own candidates.
  3. To tackle climate issues, we should work backward from our goals, like aiming for zero fossil fuel use by 2050, and think of necessary steps to achieve that.

The LA Fires and the Big Bang

The Crucial Years • 4882 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Energy transition Scientific research
  1. Climate change is making wildfires worse due to extreme heat and drought in places like Los Angeles. This is causing devastation to homes and communities.
  2. Scientific advancements, like those from Edwin Hubble, help us understand our universe and climate, but there are fears that funding for vital climate research is being threatened.
  3. There's a growing concern about losing our ability to think critically about important issues. As we face bigger problems, understanding and intelligence seem to be declining.

How We Make Progress Now

The Crucial Years • 3607 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental justice Energy transition Climate Activism Sustainable Practices
  1. The new administration's actions have quickly reversed many climate policies, making it crucial to organize and push back against these changes over time.
  2. While traditional protests have been important, the current political climate may require fresh strategies and new ways of engaging people to create real change.
  3. There's a strong shift towards renewable energy that can be leveraged, as public support for clean energy is growing despite efforts from opposition.
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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.

The Most Hopeful Chart in the World

Material World • 1400 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Technological Impact
  1. Solar energy is growing rapidly, despite predictions that it would plateau. This shows that technology can indeed provide solutions to energy challenges.
  2. On the flip side, coal consumption in China is still increasing, contradicting expectations that it would decline. This highlights a serious issue in the global energy transition.
  3. The production of solar panels and batteries relies heavily on coal, which makes the transition to greener energy more complex than it appears. We need to be aware of how these products are made and the hidden costs involved.

A win of sorts on something really important

The Crucial Years • 1743 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental Impact Energy transition Regulatory Affairs Activism
  1. The Biden administration paused permits for new LNG export terminals, which could help reduce environmental damage. This decision is significant because increased LNG exports would greatly impact climate change.
  2. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is now requiring more environmental reviews for these projects, which is a positive step for local communities affected by pollution. This could slow down the construction of new terminals, giving more time for analysis and opposition.
  3. There is growing evidence that exporting natural gas is just as harmful to the climate as exporting coal. People should understand the environmental and economic risks of increasing LNG exports, as it could lead to higher energy prices for American consumers.

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.

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 Eight Deadly Sins of Analyzing the Energy Transition

Renewable Revolution • 1618 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Renewable Energy Climate change Sustainability Technology Innovation
  1. Technology change isn't straight and slow; it can grow rapidly in an S-curve pattern. This means innovations can spread faster than some people expect.
  2. We should focus on the new technologies coming into play instead of just looking at what we have now. What's happening in the present will give us a better idea of what's to come.
  3. Energy efficiency has a bigger impact than many realize. It's important to pay attention to how we can use less energy rather than just relying on new sources.

In which a leading Green intellectual demands wide-scale deindustrialisation, permanent rationing, the prohibition of all new construction and the end of the banking system – all to save the climate

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 235 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmentalism Energy transition Sustainable Development
  1. Some Green leaders in Germany want to reduce industry and even stop new buildings to help the environment. They believe this will improve climate conditions.
  2. The push for a more controlled economy includes ideas like rationing living space and limiting how much people can travel. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions.
  3. These ideas imply big changes, like having no banks and less personal wealth, which could upset many people's daily lives and freedoms.

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.

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.

X-Change: The Race to the Top

Renewable Revolution • 199 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Clean Energy Technology Geopolitics Electric Vehicles Energy transition
  1. China is currently leading the way in clean technology, especially in solar and battery manufacturing, but the US and Europe are increasing their investments quickly.
  2. Europe has a strong position in generating electricity from solar and wind, while China is ahead in electric vehicle sales with plans to grow even more.
  3. The competition between these regions is good for the world as it drives innovation and reduces costs, speeding up the move away from fossil fuels.

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.

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.

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

The ETC report on fossil fuels in transition

Renewable Revolution • 239 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Fossil fuels Policy Analysis Sustainability Technological Innovation
  1. Fossil fuel demand has peaked, and we need to reduce it over the next three decades to tackle climate change effectively.
  2. By 2030, we can cut down fossil fuel use significantly with existing solutions, showing that change is not only possible but also necessary.
  3. New fossil fuel exploration is unnecessary because we need to focus on speeding up the transition to renewable energy instead.

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.

Thoughts on the Energy Transition

GEM Energy Analytics • 219 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Sustainability Renewable Energy Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. A presentation on the Energy Transition is available for download. It's based on various sources and designed for live discussions.
  2. The slides alone do not explain everything, so the spoken context is important for understanding fully.
  3. Feedback and contact are encouraged, showing that the creator values input from others.

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 IEA’s New Net Zero Roadmap

Renewable Revolution • 199 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Environmental Policy Technological Innovation
  1. The IEA's new roadmap shows strong support for reaching net zero, emphasizing action over theory. They are optimistic about the future of renewable energy and the shift away from fossil fuels.
  2. Key actions are needed by 2030 to make progress, including tripling renewable energy capacity and reducing methane emissions. These steps are essential for a successful energy transition.
  3. Investing in renewable energy is cheaper in the long run than sticking to traditional energy sources. This transition not only saves costs but also creates millions of new jobs in the clean energy sector.

Cobalt, Copper and Colonialism

Climate In Colour • 117 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Colonialism Energy transition Climate justice
  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.

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.

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.

Electrification is efficiency: The world will need less energy after the energy transition

Sustainability by numbers • 248 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Efficiency Electrification Energy transition Transport
  1. Electrification leads to greater efficiency in energy systems.
  2. Transitioning to electrification results in a significant drop in final energy demand.
  3. Different sectors have varying prospects for electrification, with some showing more opportunities than others.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beyond Gigafactories

Material World • 229 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🕹 Technology Battery tech 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.