The hottest Energy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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NIMBYs vs Bristol Zoo

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Energy
  1. Local NIMBY disputes, like the fight over Bristol Zoo, show how community opposition can strongly shape, delay, or block development and often plays out in parish council meetings.
  2. Proposals to reform the Civil Service focus on speeding up decision-making and improving delivery so government can move faster and fix things more effectively.
  3. Policymakers and economists are pushing bold, large-scale ideas—like building an enormous electricity cable linking Texas and the UK—to rethink how we solve big energy and infrastructure problems.

Spoils of War?

Doomberg • 382 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. A Pro Tier presentation called "Spoils of War? The Oil & Gas Potential of Venezuela" focuses on Venezuela's oil and gas resources and stresses their strategic importance, noting the timing is relevant because of recent events there.
  2. Venezuela's role in Trump's agenda has been highlighted as important, with attention to that connection going back to before his inauguration.
  3. The detailed analysis is behind a paywall and available only to Pro subscribers, requiring an upgrade or sign-in to access the full presentation.

Oil Flips A Shit: First Trade Ideas For Monday

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 29 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
💰 Finance Energy
  1. Oil prices jumped into triple digits near $119 after a Middle East escalation, output cuts, and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, raising the risk of a sudden or prolonged supply shock.
  2. Policymakers are considering releases from strategic petroleum reserves to calm markets, which could blunt the price shock but underscores the seriousness of the global macro risk.
  3. The oil spike is already weighing on global equities and boosting volatility, creating fast-moving trading opportunities but also higher downside risk for markets.

Top Links 962 The Christian war on Santa. Girls overtaking. The making of America's techno-nationalist elite & The Wages of Fusion.

Chartbook • 557 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
📰 News Energy
  1. A cultural fight is framing Santa Claus as a point of religious conflict, with some Christian groups pushing back against secular holiday traditions.
  2. Girls are beginning to overtake boys in key areas, pointing to major social and demographic shifts in education and opportunity.
  3. A rising techno-nationalist elite is shaping U.S. tech and industrial policy, while debates about fusion energy focus on its costs, who benefits, and the political stakes.

Top Links 973 The risks of meat. “TPP Zalău in demolition”. EDF chic. Non-random intricacies.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
📰 News Energy
  1. The meat supply chain is seen as a ticking time bomb, with mounting risks that could threaten food security and stability.
  2. Photography of the TPP Zalău demolition highlights industrial transformation and the visible decline of old infrastructure.
  3. There is a focus on energy-sector aesthetics and on uncovering complex, non-random patterns that shape systems and outcomes.
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🚀 FP! Week In Review, Briefly #17

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Big tech's huge power needs and prepaid contracts are making small modular nuclear reactors financially real, giving nuclear a better shot than past revivals.
  2. AI can generate lots of creative output, but people still prefer human-made art and live presence, so human judgment and improvisation will stay valuable.
  3. With births falling, countries will face real labor shortages that humanoid robots and physical AI — paired with immigration — are likely needed to fill in-care, construction, and logistics jobs.

Unleash the power of bipartisan NRC reform

Slow Boring • 3813 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy
  1. Regulatory reforms for nuclear power plants are crucial for reducing costs and improving efficiency.
  2. Environmentalists need to recognize the value of breakthroughs in nuclear cost and technology.
  3. Exploring various levers, including nuclear power, is essential for a sustainable energy future.

Decarbonization and climate change hysteria died this winter

Unreported Truths • 57 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. The EPA's endangerment finding was revoked, removing a key legal basis for aggressive U.S. decarbonization, and this policy reversal drew surprisingly little public protest.
  2. Many decarbonization policies depended on expensive subsidies and immature technologies like intermittent wind and solar without cheap storage, and Europe’s energy crisis plus China’s rising coal use undermined those efforts.
  3. Political and cultural momentum for radical climate action has faded: voters rejected big green subsidy programs in 2024, legal fights over regulation will likely shift decisions to Congress, and climate activism no longer mobilizes mass protests.

Some changes to Sustainability by Numbers in the new year

Sustainability by numbers • 615 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. The newsletter will broaden its focus beyond environmental topics to include demographics, technology, global health, and development while keeping a data-led approach to analyze problems and solutions.
  2. The newsletter is being renamed to "By the Numbers" to reflect the wider scope, and the change will happen automatically; some subscribers may leave, but the aim is to reach a broader set of global issues.
  3. The publication will remain free and unpaid, produced in spare time to keep it enjoyable, with plans to continue publishing data-driven posts into 2026.

A (highly visual) follow-up to yesterday's piece on the death of climate change hysteria

Unreported Truths • 52 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Global carbon dioxide emissions have risen about 60% since 2000, so the world is emitting more CO2 now than ever.
  2. The US, EU, and Japan cut emissions roughly 25% and now make up only about one-fifth of global emissions, while China emits far more and is rapidly adding coal-fired power plants.
  3. Emphasizing Western cuts while ignoring booming emissions elsewhere weakens climate messaging and breeds skepticism, and clear charts or examples of elite hypocrisy can be persuasive to doubtful audiences.

Reading List 12/21/2024

Construction Physics • 10230 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Commercial fusion energy is making progress with a new reactor that could generate power for many homes and create jobs.
  2. Boom Technology secured $100 million to develop a supersonic airliner, but its future remains uncertain due to challenges in airplane engine development.
  3. There's growing interest in using airships for cargo transport, as they can be more efficient than ships and planes for certain distances.

The Battery Mineral Loop

Renewable Revolution • 439 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Battery minerals are becoming more efficient and less dependent on mining. Advances in recycling and chemistry can help meet demand without exhausting resources.
  2. In the coming decades, we might reach a point where we won't need to extract new battery minerals at all. We could rely on recycling old batteries instead.
  3. Countries have a big chance to shift from fossil fuel use to sustainable energy. This change can happen faster and cheaper than many think, especially if everyone works together.

Investing Update: Why All Eyes Are On Oil

Spilled Coffee • 40 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
💰 Finance Energy
  1. The market weakened last week with major indexes down and the S&P 500 slipping into negative territory for the year after several consecutive losing weeks.
  2. Oil surged dramatically—pushing energy to be the only sector in the green and the clear top performer year-to-date.
  3. The S&P has traded in an unusually tight range so far, but underlying sector rotation, historical mid‑March seasonality, and fresh jobs concerns increase the odds of a bigger move soon.

🚀 FP! Week In Review, Briefly #18

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Nuclear power is staging a renewed comeback and could become a lasting part of the energy mix.
  2. The United States appears to be on an inevitable path toward greater electrification, becoming more of an "electrostate" as infrastructure and systems shift to electricity.
  3. Democracy’s stability depends heavily on economic growth, implying that sustained growth is key to democratic resilience.

The Most Dismal News Possible

Gordian Knot News • 769 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy
  1. The Korean APR1400 nuclear reactor is much cheaper and more efficient to build compared to the American AP1000, which has become overly expensive.
  2. Westinghouse has used legal tactics to hinder the APR1400's export, claiming it involves American technology, despite the Koreans having rights to it.
  3. A recent settlement means Koreans now have to pay high licensing fees to Westinghouse, significantly increasing the cost of exporting the APR1400 and impacting the future of affordable nuclear energy.

The High Cost of Destruction: Why We’re Losing the War on Nature

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. The world finances destruction far more than protection: about $30 is spent harming nature for every $1 spent on nature-based solutions, funneling trillions into damaging activities.
  2. Ecosystems are being lost faster than we can restore them: roughly 15 billion trees are cut while only 5 billion are planted each year, and rivers and oceans grow more polluted despite cleanup efforts.
  3. Harmful subsidies and overconsumption make short-term profits but create massive long-term costs; cutting fossil fuel use and investing in nature-based solutions could prevent trillions in future damages.

🛢️✨ What the shale boom tells us about the AI boom

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. New general-purpose technologies like AI often consume huge amounts of capital before their real economics become clear.
  2. This pattern repeats past booms (for example, shale and the internet), so massive early investment is familiar rather than entirely new.
  3. Expect a queasy transition period where winners and losers are uncertain and the true economics gradually settle over time.

Top Links 961 Zero-sum economics. Trump's family network. India's coal addiction. Mobiles and stables.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🌐 International Energy
  1. Per-capita economic growth in the West has slowed to under 1% a year since the financial crisis, feeding a sense that economic gains are limited and competition feels zero-sum.
  2. Trump’s family network plays a large role in politics and business, highlighting questions about influence and nepotism.
  3. India’s heavy reliance on coal continues, making it harder to cut emissions and shift toward cleaner energy sources.

One last rage before Christmas (Odds and Ends #84)

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
📰 News Energy
  1. Britain can't even build a tram system where it's most needed, which shows big failures in local transport planning and delivery.
  2. The National Grid's connection queue is broken and is blocking new homebuilding; in London, data centres and households are now fighting for the same limited electricity supply.
  3. Keir Starmer seems caught between two big ideas, leaving his political direction unclear.

Law Wars

Doomberg • 8057 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy
  1. ExxonMobil is working on a new way to recycle plastic that turns trash into useful materials. They are investing a lot of money to increase this recycling ability.
  2. California's Attorney General is suing ExxonMobil, claiming they misled people about recycling plastics. This lawsuit has sparked a lot of debate about the truth behind recycling claims.
  3. ExxonMobil has also sued the Attorney General and environmental groups, saying they are being unfairly accused and that their actions are harming the company's reputation.

Reading List 12/07/24

Construction Physics • 9395 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Many of the biggest cities in the U.S. are seeing strong economic growth post-COVID, with Austin being the fastest at 30%. This shows how some areas are bouncing back well after the pandemic.
  2. There are many bans on wind and solar energy projects in certain U.S. counties. This could slow down the growth of clean energy despite its importance for fighting climate change.
  3. SpaceX is breaking records with its rocket launches, planning to launch as many rockets in a year as NASA's Space Shuttle did in its entire history. This shows how quickly the space industry is advancing.

Reading List for 11/30/24

Construction Physics • 9186 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. High-rise construction is booming in Canada, with many Canadian cities leading in the number of skyscrapers being built compared to US cities.
  2. Mild hybrids, which are cars that use a small electric motor to support a gasoline engine, are becoming popular in Europe due to stricter emissions regulations.
  3. Offshore oil drilling is seeing a revival, as companies invest heavily in new technologies and seek new sources of oil in response to rising energy prices.

Bodge-up and Badger

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Energy
  1. The Abundance Agenda has been rebranded, with the podcast continuing under a new name and still available across major platforms.
  2. A village was almost cut off from civilisation for a year because of badgers, and the reason behind it is more infuriating than you'd expect.
  3. There's a hard question about reaching Net Zero when China manufactures most renewable energy technology, and experts are exploring how to reconcile decarbonisation goals with global supply‑chain realities.

Blue states don't build

Noahpinion • 24176 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy
  1. Blue states are losing population and Congressional seats to red states due to migration.
  2. Housing costs play a significant role in people moving from blue states to red states.
  3. Blue states need to focus on developing more housing and embracing green energy policies to thrive.

Weekend Update #168: The Trump-Putin Plan To Torment Ukraine Reaches A Crescendo

Phillips’s Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. U.S. policy under Trump has weakened Ukraine’s defenses by delaying aid and limiting air-defense support, which gave Russia time to intensify strikes on energy infrastructure and worsen civilian suffering.
  2. The appointment of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister is widely welcomed because he’s young, tech-focused, and prioritizes air defense, drone production, and professionalizing the military to raise brigade performance and morale.
  3. Russia’s ground advances remain slow and have been slowed further by bitter cold, but its campaign of hitting power and heating is causing major civilian hardship even if it has not broken Ukrainian resistance.

Reading List for 11/23/24

Construction Physics • 8977 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Shipping disruptions can lead to huge costs, like the $89 million loss from a single incident in the Suez Canal. Overall, global shipping costs could reach around $600 million from such events.
  2. Robots that perform specific construction tasks, like roofing, are becoming more common. Companies are focusing on automating certain jobs to improve efficiency in construction projects.
  3. Fusion energy investments are rising, with over $2.5 billion put into it in 2024. Countries like China are significantly increasing their spending on fusion technology.

Shift Shaping

Doomberg • 8315 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy
  1. Trump's election may negatively impact climate change efforts, as many leaders are skipping important climate meetings. It seems fewer people are interested in tackling climate issues right now.
  2. While Trump used to criticize climate agreements, his focus might now lean towards boosting American industries, even if it increases carbon emissions. He believes prioritizing local manufacturing is more important.
  3. There's a belief that Trump's return to power could shift environmental policies significantly, possibly leading to a long-term impact on climate efforts and regulations. His supporters seem to back him partly due to discontent with current environmental strategies.

Irreconcilable Differences

Doomberg • 7505 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. AI's need for power is too high for current energy grids. This means we might face problems trying to meet that demand.
  2. What if new rules stopped data centers from using the main power grid? This could change how we think about energy sources.
  3. If data centers found their own power, it could ease strain on existing grids. But, it would also create new challenges and shifts in the market.

Fit For Purpose

Doomberg • 6134 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Cybernetics studies how information is used in complex systems, which helps in fields like AI and managing big teams. Understanding this can make complex situations easier to handle.
  2. The principle of POSIWID means that the real purpose of a system is shown by what it actually does, not just what it says it aims for. This can help us see the truth behind many actions and motives.
  3. Current hype around fusion energy suggests it might soon be commercially viable, but we should question if the excitement aligns with real progress or hidden agendas in energy politics.

This Week in Canada: Be Careful What You Say About God

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 505 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. Canada and Alberta struck a major federal-provincial energy deal to fast-track privately financed pipelines and build a huge carbon-capture project, aiming to make Canada an energy superpower and access Asian markets.
  2. The agreement is a grand bargain: Alberta gets pipeline access while Ottawa extracts commitments to deep emissions cuts, signaling an industrial transformation and energy transition.
  3. A proposed anti-hate bill could create legal risks for religious believers and chill speech about God, making people more cautious about what they say on matters of faith.

At least five things for your weekend (#30)

Noahpinion • 15235 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Consumer sentiment may not always align with economic fundamentals like interest rates or unemployment, showing the influence of 'vibes' and media narratives.
  2. Tokyo and Seoul have a unique city development pattern with gradually sloping density, allowing for more people without feeling crowded, achieved through upzoning suburbs and excellent train systems.
  3. The age of energy abundance is upon us as technologies like solar power and batteries become cheaper, alongside increased fossil fuel drilling in the U.S.

“The Daily” runs a greenwashing BP ad

HEATED • 2083 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📰 News Energy
  1. The Daily aired a greenwashing BP ad despite promising to end fossil fuel sponsorships
  2. BP broke its promise to stop corporate reputation ads by running climate credentials ad
  3. BP has a history of climate misinformation and greenwashing, benefiting from ads in outlets like The Daily

What happened on energy and climate in China this year?

Sustainability by numbers • 475 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. China’s total CO2 emissions were basically flat this year, showing almost no growth despite rising energy demand.
  2. A huge buildout of renewables and nuclear pushed electricity emissions down and rapid EV adoption cut oil use in transport, backed by a massive rollout of chargers.
  3. Industrial emissions rose and new coal plants are still being built, which offsets some gains and makes the timing of an emissions peak uncertain.

Far From Grüven

Doomberg • 7157 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Energy
  1. Germany's automotive industry is struggling due to poor energy policies and reliance on expensive energy sources. This could lead to factory closures and job losses.
  2. China is effectively using its energy resources to boost its production and economic strength, while European countries are facing the consequences of their energy choices.
  3. Volkswagen's recent financial troubles highlight the bigger issues facing Germany's heavy industry, and there are urgent changes needed to avoid further decline.

4.3.1 Skin Depth & Litz Wire

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Skin depth refers to how electric current mainly flows close to the surface of a wire, especially at high frequencies. This means most of the current doesn't penetrate deep into the conductor.
  2. Litz wire is made up of many fine strands that help reduce resistance by allowing current to flow through a larger area. This is especially useful at high frequencies where skin depth is very small.
  3. Using litz wire not only reduces energy loss due to resistance but also makes wires more flexible and less likely to fail mechanically compared to solid wires.

All the arguments against EVs are wrong

Noahpinion • 26118 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming more popular worldwide, supported by improved technology and falling battery prices.
  2. There are concerns about the availability of minerals for EV production, but advancements in mining technology and growing lithium reserves offer hope.
  3. EVs have environmental benefits compared to gas cars, including reducing carbon emissions and offering more efficient energy use.

Top Links 958 Burned-out doctors. UK deconvergence. The kola trade & "Good tank farms".

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🌐 International Energy
  1. A large international survey found high levels of physician burnout, with 43% of American doctors reporting they feel burned out.
  2. The roundup brings together diverse geopolitical and economic topics—like UK deconvergence, the kola trade, and industrial "tank farms"—alongside striking images and historical material.
  3. The content is a curated, subscription-supported collection that mixes free and paid posts to fund its continued publication.

Readouts of Xi-Trump, Xi-Putin calls

Pekingnology • 109 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. China and the U.S. agreed to keep up dialogue and practical cooperation, with Xi saying both sides should move forward with equality, respect, and mutual benefit. He also stressed Taiwan is the core issue and urged the U.S. to be very prudent about arms sales to Taiwan.
  2. China and Russia reaffirmed a deep strategic partnership, pledging closer economic, energy, cultural, and security cooperation and tighter coordination in forums like the UN, BRICS, and SCO. Both leaders emphasized mutual support for each other’s sovereignty and plans to expand people-to-people and educational ties.
  3. Both conversations were tied to 2026 priorities—China’s new Five-Year Plan and major summit hosting—and framed around managing global turbulence, building trust step by step, and maintaining strategic stability and orderly global governance.

The Venezuela Opportunity

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. Venezuela is a massively underpriced opportunity beyond oil — if rebuilt and democratized it could join Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador as a powerful nearshoring bloc and a strategic partner to the U.S., unlocking big trade and job gains.
  2. Modern infrastructure, reliable dispatchable power (notably hydropower), and U.S.-backed financing and institutional reform are the keys to attracting hyperscale data centers, manufacturing, and long-term investment.
  3. Venezuelan entrepreneurs and an 8M-strong diaspora have already shown leapfrog innovation (e.g., Cashea), but private firms will scale up only once political and legal risks meaningfully decline.