The hottest Energy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Different Kinds of Winning

The Crucial Years • 966 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. There is a potential victory on pausing LNG exports, which could impact Biden's campaign and the planet positively.
  2. Campaigners and new data have highlighted the detrimental impact of LNG exports on the climate and American consumers.
  3. The administration's decision on LNG exports can be a crucial win for climate action and Biden's re-election efforts.

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

Sustainability by numbers • 279 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  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.

Genesis, Quatrovision, War/Peace & Disclosure

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 29 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Genesis aims to open national labs and mix classified research with outside scientists, supercomputers, and AI to rapidly create huge breakthroughs—potentially including game-changing energy technologies.
  2. A long-standing "invisible wall" has kept many discoveries secret through NDAs, clearances, and control of publishing; once locked-away scientists meet external researchers, suppressed ideas will surface and become hard to control.
  3. Officials appear to be slowly releasing taxpayer-funded breakthroughs to test public reaction and boost the economy, a shift that could quickly rewrite textbooks and scientific norms.

Got bail?

The Crucial Years • 906 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Protest outside the Department of Energy in early February against permitting new LNG export terminals
  2. Arguments against granting new export licenses include high greenhouse gas emissions and negative impact on local communities
  3. Participate in peaceful civil disobedience or support rallies, with options for training sessions and online nonviolence training

Is AI a Silver Bullet for our Climate Problems?

This Week in MCJ (My Climate Journey) • 216 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🔬 Science Energy
  1. AI solutions in climate problems can be biased towards easily accessible data, encouraging broader solution development is crucial.
  2. AI must quantify its confidence in recommendations for climate problem-solving due to the high cost of mistakes.
  3. Encouraging new datasets and AI methods with confidence measurement can lead to more successful projects in addressing climate challenges.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

1.6 The Plan & Purpose of this Book

Fields & Energy • 159 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🔬 Science Energy
  1. The book discusses two big ideas in physics: particles versus waves and two different ways of understanding nature. This involves looking at how scientists have debated these ideas over time.
  2. It introduces a new way of thinking about electromagnetism, saying that fields and energy are separate but related. Fields behave like waves, while energy can act like particles.
  3. Finally, the book explores how this fresh perspective can change our view of quantum mechanics, suggesting that light and energy might interact in ways we don't typically understand.

🤖⚡ Does AI use too much energy? A Quick Q&A with … policy analyst James Broughel

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Critics think AI consumes a significant amount of energy, comparable to whole countries.
  2. There's a risk of AI's energy consumption becoming a political issue, akin to past debates around cryptocurrency.
  3. Leading tech companies are working to use renewable energy sources to power AI, reducing potential worries about its energy usage.

So Far, So Good

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 13 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
💰 Finance Energy
  1. The nuclear industry is off to a decent start this year because of today’s news.
  2. Two favored nuclear names are showing good early performance after the news.
  3. The piece is behind a paywall but offers a free post and a subscription option.

Solar and the Politics of Technology

Life in the 21st Century • 117 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Organization is crucial in politics, but often overlooked in understanding how power is structured.
  2. Regulatory agencies created in response to past technologies may not easily adapt to new technologies like solar power.
  3. Transitioning to solar energy requires not just technological changes, but also social and political reorganization.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #55

Faster, Please! • 91 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. A new fusion power plant is being built, which could provide energy from fusion reactions. This is a big step toward making fusion energy a reality.
  2. The FDA has approved a new HIV prevention shot that only requires two injections a year. This could help reduce new HIV infections significantly.
  3. There's a growing interest in fusion technology, with significant investments being made globally to develop it further.

Weekly Wrap

Syncretica • 157 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
💰 Finance Energy
  1. Phosphorus is a new concern due to lithium battery materials collapsing.
  2. Consider managing economic and financial entanglements with China.
  3. Energy modeling needs to focus on distribution and geopolitical shocks.

Spotlight: John Bucknell – CEO of Virtus Solis

Space Ambition • 199 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Virtus Solis is working on space-based solar power satellites. These can provide continuous energy, unlike traditional solar panels that depend on sunlight.
  2. The technology aims to solve global energy challenges by making clean energy accessible and affordable for everyone, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
  3. John Bucknell, the CEO, suggests that starting a business early in your career can make it easier, but experience also helps in understanding how to manage teams and solve problems.

India & Energy

Life in the 21st Century • 176 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. India's population is the same size as China's, making up 35% of the global population.
  2. India's energy usage per capita is 7% of the United States, showing a huge gap in lifestyle and energy consumption.
  3. India's development model should not follow the West, requiring a new approach to 'development' for the entire world.

The Economist on New Electricity Technologies

Knowledge Problem • 176 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. The Economist reports on new electricity technologies, like high voltage transmission and grid-forming inverters, vital for a cleaner energy future.
  2. Systemic changes in energy infrastructure take time and investment, but are crucial for achieving reliable and sustainable power.
  3. Digitization and renewable energy adoption are reshaping grids, calling for new investments and regulatory adjustments to maintain stability and affordability.

A New Era in Energy Technology

Startup Pirate by Alex Alexakis • 176 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Europe is transitioning to clean energy to combat high electricity prices, energy dependence, and climate goals.
  2. Renewable energy advancements like solar power and batteries are facilitating economic growth and decarbonization.
  3. Innovations in energy technology, like AI-powered platforms and green hydrogen compressors, are reshaping the industry towards sustainability and efficiency.

Natural Gas Between Russia and Europe

Doomberg • 231 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. Natural gas is a key issue in the relationship between Russia and Europe. This topic has a long history and is very relevant today.
  2. The geopolitical situation is changing rapidly, which affects how countries interact regarding energy resources.
  3. Looking ahead, it's important to understand the current gas crisis to anticipate future developments in energy supply and security.

Sabotaging the Miracle Machine: The High Cost of Luddite Policies

Future History • 80 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Technophobia can slow down progress, leading to missed opportunities in health and technology. This means that fear can directly cost lives and advancements we could have achieved.
  2. When activists oppose new technologies like nuclear energy or stem cell research, they may be unintentionally causing more harm. The costs of inaction include more pollution and fewer medical breakthroughs.
  3. Regulations should encourage innovation rather than stall it. Thoughtful regulation allows for safer technologies while helping society benefit from new advances.

Weekly Wrap 10th November 2023

Syncretica • 137 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
💰 Finance Energy
  1. Nuscale faced challenges and lacked ambition in nuclear energy.
  2. Production of food with energy is possible and competitive in cost and carbon.
  3. US thermal coal industry is struggling while the lithium market is undergoing a slowdown.

YPF: the laundromat of the century

BowTiedMara - Geoarbitrage & Mobility Assets • 157 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. YPF, the national oil company of Argentina, was involved in a massive financial fraud through expropriation and private dealings.
  2. A small group of politicians and businessmen profited billions from YPF without investing their own money.
  3. Despite clear irregularities and financial loopholes, those involved in the scandal are unlikely to face prosecution or jail time for receiving billions at the taxpayer's expense.

Solar Power Won't Save You, but It Will Buy You Some Time

OK Doomer • 94 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Solar power can provide temporary relief but isn't a long-term solution for major crises. It's more about comfort and control than actual survival in tough situations.
  2. Having solar panels might seem helpful, but they can become useless if society collapses and you aren't able to maintain them or have access to battery replacements.
  3. Instead of solely relying on solar energy, it’s important to gain practical knowledge and skills in various areas, like growing food and securing water, to better prepare for future challenges.

The energy wars. Are China and America on a collision course?

World Game • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. It asks whether China and America are heading toward a clash over energy interests.
  2. Observers point out a long-standing tendency to explain interventions by hidden energy motives, and now some people claim promoting democracy was the true reason for the U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3.
  3. The Maduro operation sparked controversy and conspiracy theories even as President Trump offered a live public explanation, underlining tensions between official accounts and public suspicion.

Version vI of How We Can Make Nuclear Safe Again

Gordian Knot News • 80 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy
  1. The new version of the book changes the focus from making nuclear energy cheap to making it safe. This is a significant shift that reflects current concerns about nuclear safety.
  2. An appendix has been added that includes a draft of the Nuclear Reorganization Act, which aims to help streamline nuclear energy certification.
  3. The price of the book went up due to increased content, but there are free resources available for those who want to access the draft without paying.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #23

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💼 Business Energy
  1. The US economy is doing really well, growing almost 3% this past year. This growth is mainly due to increased productivity and low inflation, making it a strong economy overall.
  2. Advancements in technology have made the US oil and gas industry the most productive in the nation. New methods in drilling and efficiency are helping keep energy prices low and the economy strong.
  3. A new AI app called Death Clock can predict how long you'll live and offer tips to improve your health. This app uses a lot of research to give personalized recommendations for a better, longer life.

A Brief History of Energy

Ulysses • 179 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🔬 Science Energy
  1. Human civilization is driven by the type and availability of energy sources, dictating growth, quality of life, and societal scale.
  2. Energy originates from nuclear reactions and its evolution through fusion and fission have shaped both natural processes and human advancement.
  3. Fusion energy holds the potential to revolutionize energy production by offering a clean, abundant, and safe alternative to traditional sources.

Energy

Life in the 21st Century • 78 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Global energy use heavily relies on fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
  2. The Biden administration is pausing LNG export growth as a gesture towards climate concerns.
  3. Industrialization and economic vibrancy are closely tied to increasing energy usage.

Investing in Energy

Doomberg • 267 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💰 Finance Energy
  1. Energy markets are influenced by fundamental rules that help predict their behavior. Understanding these rules is key to making smart investments.
  2. The energy sector is currently undergoing significant changes. It's important to stay updated on these shifts to find good investment opportunities.
  3. There are four main ways to invest in energy. Each method has different risks and rewards, so it’s crucial to evaluate them carefully before deciding.

Notes on the News

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 14 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. The EU is not a single sovereign state and can’t force unanimous foreign-policy decisions, so individual members and outside ties (like Hungary’s links to China) routinely block collective action.
  2. Pressuring China and India with secondary sanctions would be a form of financial warfare that would spark trade and payment-system splits, wreck key European export sectors, and Europe lacks the currency, insurance, and unified backing to survive that shock.
  3. A coordinated authoritarian project at home is weakening U.S. alliances and institutions, and broad social problems—poor education, rising inequality, and voter apathy—make the public more vulnerable to manipulation and democratic backsliding.

The Electricity Transmission Challenge

Climateer • 907 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🔬 Science Energy
  1. Moving electricity around is challenging because we need capacity at every location always.
  2. US needs more transmission capacity due to increasing electricity demands and changing energy sources.
  3. Building new transmission lines in the US is difficult due to a messy planning system and lack of coordination.

Heat Pumps, Thermostats, and Bad Design

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Heat pumps can be more cost-effective than gas furnaces, but it depends on current energy prices. It's important to understand the right settings on your thermostat to save money.
  2. Many thermostats are designed to prioritize heat pumps over gas furnaces, which can lead to unnecessary costs if gas heating is cheaper. Users should consider switching to 'emergency heat' if they have both systems.
  3. Regulations often push for efficiency in heating systems, but not all thermostats work well for every dual-fuel setup. It's essential for customers to be informed about the best options for their specific heating needs.

Masterclass With Masterjohn: Energy Metabolism

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 519 implied HN points • 02 Jun 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Energy
  1. The Masterclass With Masterjohn on Energy Metabolism is a course with 39 lessons focusing on how our bodies burn carbohydrate and fat for fuel.
  2. The course covers essential concepts like thermodynamics, the role of enzymes in controlling reactions inside our bodies, and the use of citric acid cycle and electron transport chain to produce ATP.
  3. Lessons also delve into interesting topics like the regulation of energy metabolism, the production and utilization of ketones, and the historical origins of the ketogenic diet for treating epilepsy.

What Makes A Market A Market?

Knowledge Problem • 137 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
💼 Business Energy
  1. Economics focuses on how people coordinate actions through market mechanisms as knowledge ecosystems.
  2. The integrity of price signals is crucial for evaluating market institutions.
  3. All markets are a combination of emergent and designed practices governed by specific rules.

10 Ways to Think About China

European Straits • 11 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. China prioritizes survival and national strength over pure economic efficiency, putting control, unity, and stability first to avoid past humiliations.
  2. The country developed pragmatically, using step-by-step experiments—agrarian reform, special economic zones, and directed finance—to grow industry quickly while keeping political control.
  3. China’s vast scale reshapes everything it does and, coupled with rapid electrification, gives it unique power to experiment, scale industries, and influence the global economy.

A practical breakdown of the AI power situation

Technically • 18 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. To make AI smarter, we need more computers, especially powerful GPUs. The more compute power we have, the better AI models we can create.
  2. Building more data centers is required for this extra compute power, but our current power grid can't handle the demand. This could lead to problems as AI grows.
  3. Big tech companies are investing in nuclear power plants because renewable energy alone can't keep up with the energy needs of AI data centers.

Beyond Super Intelligence: re-sovereignising a planetary commons

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) is coming, and we need to change how we govern it. Current systems are not ready for the fast changes that ASI will bring.
  2. There is a new need for data and energy fairness. ASI relies heavily on natural resources, and we must ensure that these resources are used justly without harming communities.
  3. Instead of allowing a few to control ASI, we should aim for a shared governance model. This means working together to create systems that benefit everyone, not just the powerful.

The Cost of Changing Course

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy
  1. America's economy is built on incentives favoring oil and gas, making it difficult to transition to renewable energy.
  2. Wealthy individuals and big corporations often benefit the most from government aid and investments, rather than the intended recipients.
  3. Challenges in implementing new policies arise due to resistance from established industries and fear of disrupting the capitalist system.

↩ Flashback Friday: A Quick Q&A on nuclear energy risk with ... economist Matthew Neidell

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🔬 Science Energy
  1. The Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011 led to Japan shutting down nuclear reactors, resulting in unforeseen consequences like higher energy prices, reduced consumption, and increased mortality during cold temperatures.
  2. Following the shutdown, research by economist Matthew Neidell showed how Japan's shift to fossil fuels after the Fukushima incident led to higher bills, reduced energy use, and ultimately increased mortality in cold weather due to lack of climate control.
  3. The debate on nuclear energy often focuses on visible risks like accidents, while downplaying the benefits and comparative safety of nuclear power when weighed against other energy sources like coal or gas.