The hottest Energy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Biofuels: the US could switch to electric cars and solar power on just a fraction of the land

Sustainability by numbers • 296 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Growing biofuels in the US is a poor use of land, especially when solar energy needs much less land and could power the country three times over.
  2. Biofuels may not have as positive an impact on the environment as initially assumed, with some studies suggesting they could increase emissions.
  3. Switching from biofuels to solar power for electric cars in the US could significantly reduce land use and still meet transportation needs.

A Great Unravelling

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 04 Oct 21
💼 Business Energy
  1. China is facing big problems with power shortages that are affecting its economy. Many businesses are shutting down because they can't get enough energy to operate.
  2. Britain is struggling due to a lack of gasoline, which is causing major disruptions. People are having trouble finding fuel and grocery items.
  3. The shortage of semiconductors is causing car manufacturers in the U.S. and Europe to stop production. This means fewer cars being made and possibly higher prices for consumers.

The Trouble with Fusion

Gordian Knot News • 183 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Energy
  1. Fusion faces difficult technical challenges like damage to the first wall, intense heat transfer, and high maintenance due to activation of materials.
  2. Achieving economic viability in fusion is a major hurdle, with immense parasitic loads and a fusion gain ratio that can be a significant challenge to achieve.
  3. Standard fusion processes like using deuterium and tritium result in energy losses due to the need for high quality energy input, which makes fusion less self-sustaining than fission.

Can dissipating energy be profitable ?

GEM Energy Analytics • 79 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
💼 Business Energy
  1. Dissipating energy can actually be a business opportunity, especially when there's a lot of renewable energy that needs to be used quickly. This could be done by creating heat with electricity.
  2. The European power markets show that there is potential to earn money by providing flexible energy solutions, such as using heaters or other simple devices to quickly use excess electricity.
  3. A smarter way to approach energy dissipation is to use the heat generated from electricity for useful purposes, like district heating, instead of just wasting it.
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Nikola Tesla Did Not Reincarnate As Elon Musk, He Reincarnated As Maxwell Chikumbutso.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 54 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Maxwell Chikumbutso has invented a new way to harness electricity from radio waves, which could be a big step towards energy independence for Africa.
  2. Tesla's ideas about free energy are being realized in this invention, which could change how we think about powering our homes and vehicles.
  3. The invention might disrupt current energy monopolies and could be crucial for Africa's recovery from historical exploitation.

BattGPT or AI bubble?

Intercalation Station • 119 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Successful AI applications require large quantities of easily interpretable input data
  2. Applying AI to batteries faces challenges due to the complex and non-reproducible nature of battery data
  3. Data availability and quality remain key bottlenecks in using AI for battery research and development

All hail nuclear power

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Nuclear power is gaining traction as tech companies look to use it for sustainability and energy needs. This shift could help power data centers efficiently.
  2. Despite general market optimism, there are challenges and doubts about current investment strategies. Investors need to think critically about their options in a changing economy.
  3. The EU is facing criticism regarding its AI regulations, which might push tech development outside the region. This could lead to a lack of innovation and growth in Europe.

Thematics for 2026

Subsack • 4 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
💰 Finance Energy
  1. AI and its infrastructure are the central investment theme, with big-model companies, chips, and a huge jump in storage demand (RAM and disk) driving a tech supercycle.
  2. Government action and geopolitics are reshaping markets, as strategic funding, regulation, and supply‑chain moves boost defence, rare earths, nuclear, and give crypto/stablecoins clearer legitimacy.
  3. Portfolios are being rebalanced for 2026: new themes like storage, drones, LNG, robotics and space are being added while travel, luxury, gambling and clean energy are being trimmed; pharma, crypto and precious metals stay as key hedges.

Preparing for the Blackouts

Gordian Knot News • 249 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. During a blackout crisis, politicians may be compelled to change energy policy.
  2. Specific policy changes are suggested including implementing a compensation scheme for radiation harm.
  3. The proposal advocates for significant shifts in NRC's role and congressional actions regarding nuclear power.

Subsidies, External Costs, and Deadweight Loss

Knowledge Problem • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
💼 Business Energy
  1. Understanding economic analyses of power markets is crucial for applied economics.
  2. Federal subsidies for wind and solar impact wholesale power markets by creating inefficiencies and distorting outcomes.
  3. Tax credits like the PTC/ITC are costly ways to encourage renewable energy generation, and a carbon tax might be more efficient.

Heart Attack Keto: Rebound

The Heart Attack Diet • 39 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Energy
  1. Refeeding syndrome can occur after a period of no carbs, causing symptoms like exhaustion and lethargy.
  2. Unexpected weight fluctuations can happen when transitioning from a low-carb diet, often involving regaining and losing water weight.
  3. Maintaining ketosis may not always result in the same energy boost for everyone, as energy levels can vary based on individual reactions to carbohydrate intake.

X-change: Cars

Renewable Revolution • 39 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing rapidly, with predictions that they will dominate car sales by 2030. The demand for gas-powered cars is dropping fast.
  2. The cost of owning EVs is becoming similar to gas cars because battery prices are falling. This makes EVs more accessible to more people in different countries.
  3. Even though there are challenges like needing better charging networks, the transition to EVs is happening quickly. Companies are investing heavily in technology and infrastructure to support this change.

Compilation Post 2

Extropic Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🔬 Science Energy
  1. The AI industry is rapidly evolving and impacting various sectors, with a rise in incidents of misuse and growing demand for AI-related skills.
  2. Different perspectives on regulating AI and the importance of considering equilibrium and feedback mechanisms in AI development.
  3. Climate and energy topics like the declining cost of cultivated meat and the impact of global warming on temperature-related deaths are being discussed.

ex150ish-3

The Heart Attack Diet • 39 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Energy
  1. The author shares their experience of regaining appetite and energy after a period of almost no appetite and significant weight loss.
  2. Engaging in activities like cold showers and swimming in cold water helps the author manage overheating and boosts their energy levels.
  3. Despite focusing on fixing the boat and feeling energetic, the author reflects on their weight loss journey and the impact of reintroducing carbohydrates to their diet.

Nuke My Money

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Big tech companies are investing heavily in nuclear energy, especially fusion technology, which aims to provide unlimited zero-carbon electricity.
  2. Helion, a startup backed by Y Combinator, has gained attention and funding from major players like OpenAI and Microsoft for its fusion power developments.
  3. Google has also joined the race by partnering with TAE Technologies, another fusion startup, to enhance it with AI and computational resources.

Circular Economy, Challenges for the Recycling and Repurposing Models

Divergent Futures • 19 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Recycling requires a lot of energy. To make recycling effective, we need to ensure we have enough energy left over for future use, not just for recycling now.
  2. Repurposing items can be costly at a large scale. It's often cheaper to produce new items because mass production is more efficient than repairing unique, broken items.
  3. The main focus should be on reducing waste, not just on conserving resources. Waste creates urgent problems like pollution and health issues, which need more attention in discussions about sustainability.

The Gordian Knot News "A" List

Gordian Knot News • 168 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. The Gordian Knot News focuses on the importance of cheap nuclear power for humanity's prosperity and environmental conservation.
  2. Understanding key features of radiation and where we went wrong in nuclear power are crucial to solving the issues in the industry.
  3. Proposing a new regulatory system and a radiation harm model are essential steps towards a better future for nuclear power.

Underwriter Certification of Nuclear Power, 2.0:

Gordian Knot News • 124 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
💼 Business Energy
  1. Regulation of hazardous activities requires finding a balance between safety and economy to prevent both excessive harm and economic burden.
  2. Certification Societies, like those for ocean transportation and high-pressure steam, play a crucial role in setting industry standards, inspecting compliance, and ensuring safety.
  3. Underwriter Certification for nuclear power leverages market competition, government oversight, and insurance to provide a feasible and safe regulatory system for nuclear energy.

ALARA

Gordian Knot News • 241 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🔬 Science Energy
  1. ALARA philosophy in nuclear regulation aims for minimal radioactive emissions.
  2. ALARA can lead to increased costs and hinder technological advancements in nuclear power.
  3. ALARA's focus on reducing radiation exposure may lead to excessive regulation and operational costs.

The New Energy Economy

Equal Ventures • 178 implied HN points • 23 Aug 21
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. The grid is transitioning to a new energy economy that resembles the internet, with decentralized power sources and real-time supply and demand management.
  2. The future grid will be dominated by network effects, similar to how internet companies have leveraged network effects for success.
  3. Business model innovation in the energy sector is crucial for driving adoption of new energy technologies, even more so than technological advancements.

Ancova Energy Market Update

Ancova • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💰 Finance Energy
  1. Crude oil prices affected by Iran's oil tanker seizure.
  2. Natural gas futures rise with anticipated arctic weather.
  3. U.S. oil and gas rig count sees a slight increase.

What is nuclear's should-cost?

Gordian Knot News • 212 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🔬 Science Energy
  1. Nuclear power can be more cost-effective than traditional sources like coal plants.
  2. Naive LCOE may not accurately represent the true cost of nuclear energy due to fluctuations in demand and the need for backup.
  3. Key challenges for nuclear power include regulatory risk, construction risk, and ensuring liability for unplanned outages and radiation releases.

Stage 2: Nuclear Power's Economics Suck

Gordian Knot News • 219 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
💼 Business Energy
  1. Nuclear power in the West is incredibly expensive and time-consuming to build, hindering its potential to combat global issues like climate change.
  2. Historically, nuclear power has been cost-competitive with coal, but rising costs due to regulations and construction delays have made it less viable.
  3. The core issue with nuclear power's economics lies in the perception of any radioactive release as intolerable, leading to excessive safety measures that drive up costs.

Cheap nuclear is healthy nuclear

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🔬 Science Energy
  1. Engineers must balance desirable factors like performance and safety in their work.
  2. Our understanding of numbers and rational thinking is a relatively recent development.
  3. Low levels of radiation exposure from nuclear accidents may not cause measurable harm and nuclear energy can have health benefits compared to fossil fuels.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #84

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 97 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. AWS made a significant move by acquiring a nuclear data center campus in Pennsylvania, signaling the company's first venture into nuclear energy to power its data centers.
  2. Advances in clean energy include Terraform Industries scaling technology to create cheap natural gas using solar energy, showcasing the potential for cleaner energy sources.
  3. The discovery of a massive helium deposit in Minnesota highlights how continuous resource findings like this play a crucial role in various industries like MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and fusion reactors.

Offshore wind and big company lobbying

Jérôme à Paris • 121 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy
  1. Big offshore wind projects often require government support or changes in regulations to be built
  2. Companies involved in offshore wind projects may try to renegotiate after making commitments, leveraging their political weight
  3. Offshore wind projects have high visibility, symbolic value, and political weight, making them a common target for lobbying and political maneuvering

3 Trends I'd Never Bet Against: Lyn Alden

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 29 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💰 Finance Energy
  1. Energy density is crucial for modern life and continues to power our economies. It supports everything from electricity to agriculture.
  2. High energy use has allowed technology and human population to grow, especially since the discovery of oil in the late 1800s.
  3. Despite renewable energy sources like wind and solar, we still need efficient, high-density energy sources to maintain economic strength and growth.

The duck is coming

GEM Energy Analytics • 39 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. The 'duck curve' shows how solar energy impacts power prices throughout the day. Prices are usually low around noon and spike in the evening.
  2. In March 2023, the duck curve was very noticeable, especially in Italy-Sardinia, where power prices varied significantly from day to night.
  3. Previous months displayed weaker effects of the duck curve, but trends are expected to become clearer as solar generation increases and power consumption decreases.

Vlad's Wagner

Diane Francis • 139 implied HN points • 18 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. Russia is using its energy supply as a weapon against Europe. This means they might cut off energy to pressure other countries.
  2. Illegal migration is part of Russia's strategy at the Polish-Belarusian border. This could create more tensions in the region.
  3. The Wagner Group, a private military organization, is expanding its influence by working with countries like Mali. This raises concerns about their activities in Europe and beyond.

What do Americans use electricity for?

Sustainability by numbers • 75 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🔬 Science Energy
  1. American households primarily use electricity for heating, cooling, and controlling humidity.
  2. Future challenges in energy demand will revolve around balancing supply and demand, particularly for temperature control like heating and cooling.
  3. Electricity consumption is dominated by heating, cooling, and humidity control in households, highlighting the importance of efficient solutions in this area.

Nuclear Fusion: The State of Play

State of the Future • 34 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🔬 Science Energy
  1. Nuclear fusion has great potential for clean energy, but it still faces big challenges like cost and technical hurdles. Commercial fusion might not be realistic until around 2040, despite recent progress.
  2. Different methods of achieving fusion exist, each with their own pros and cons. For example, magnetic confinement is well-researched but expensive, while inertial confinement uses lasers but has its own limitations.
  3. Investment in fusion technology is growing, with billions already being put in by both private companies and governments. This means, even though it's a tough path, there's hope for fusion as a key player in future energy strategies.

Energy Security Concerns Driving Low Carbon Investments

Helix • 19 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
💰 Finance Energy
  1. The war in Ukraine has highlighted global energy security risks and increased focus on low carbon investments.
  2. Low carbon investments and M&A activities are rising due to the geopolitical shifts caused by the war
  3. The US Inflation Reduction Act of 2021 promotes green investment and aims to reduce emissions, jobs creation, and economic growth.

Free Electricity Out Of The Air! Did Nikola Tesla Have It Right All Along?

Resiliency Tech • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🔬 Science Energy
  1. Nikola Tesla is revered for his inventions and experiments with harnessing electricity from the air.
  2. Scientists are now exploring hygroelectricity, generating electricity from humidity in the air using nanotubes.
  3. Projects like CATCHER aim to commercialize the concept of hygroelectricity, which could potentially exceed Europe's power requirements by 500 times.

What to do.

Douglass’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Temperatures are rising due to fossil fuel burning, leading to interconnected problems like soil, food, and poverty.
  2. Survival strategy involves a complex Gardenworld approach for localized food and security, combined with big tech for management.
  3. Urgency is stressed in understanding and addressing societal collapses, suggested readings like Tainter and Toynbee provide deeper insights.

Scaling Up Battery Production with 425+ New Factories

Exponential Industry • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. The battery supply chain consists of six main segments, including raw material mining, material processing, and recycling.
  2. Battery pack manufacturing plants are expected to increase globally to over 500 by 2030 due to the rising demand for electric vehicles.
  3. Choosing the right battery chemistry is crucial for battery OEMs as it impacts performance, costs, and manufacturing efficiency.

Commentary on Orage's "HOW TO LEARN TO THINK"

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Energy
  1. The essay 'How to Learn to Think' by Orage focuses on developing concentration and 'thought-power' rather than giving instructions on thinking techniques.
  2. Orage emphasizes the importance of efficiently using mental energy through short concentration exercises, even for just a few minutes at a time.
  3. Rest from active mentation is crucial for mental relaxation and accumulating different kinds of energy, as explained by Gurdjieff and reflected in Orage's teachings.