The hottest Energy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Updates on Spain (as of April 2024)

GEM Energy Analytics • 179 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Spain is currently experiencing negative prices in the energy market, meaning they pay less than zero for electricity. This is a first for the country and has happened multiple times in April 2024.
  2. There is a record amount of energy stored in Spanish hydro reservoirs, which is leading to very low electricity prices. These reservoirs have more energy than has been seen in the past ten years.
  3. The capture rates for solar energy are extremely low, with some months showing just 20%. This indicates that solar power is not being used efficiently, especially when prices are so low.

Bulls and bears: a nuclear update

Everything is Light • 373 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. Energy security is a global concern and nuclear energy is crucial for societal progress.
  2. Many countries are investing in expanding nuclear energy generation, with significant projects underway in Asia, Europe, and North America.
  3. Despite past reservations, some nations like Japan and Italy are reconsidering nuclear power, while others like Denmark and Singapore are exploring options.

New Algorithms, Not New Particles

Bzogramming • 45 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Most practical technology is built from atoms, electrons, and photons, so discovering new high-energy particles isn’t what drives usable engineering; progress comes from better math, materials, and system design.
  2. Condensed-matter and materials science (like semiconductors and superconductors) are where real, applicable breakthroughs live, because emergent behaviors of many atoms produce useful properties we can actually engineer.
  3. The next big advances will come from new algorithms, mathematical tools, and using physical and biological systems as computational substrates (aided by ML), not from finding exotic particles; building bigger, smarter systems from known primitives is the path forward.

Top Links 754 Exxon's long plateau. Banana economics. Modal magic & the General of Physics.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💰 Finance Energy
  1. ExxonMobil is not rapidly expanding its fossil fuel production. This suggests a more stable or declining phase for the company rather than aggressive growth.
  2. The content focuses on varied topics like economics and physics, indicating a diverse range of interests and insights.
  3. The support of subscribers is essential for maintaining the platform, highlighting the importance of community in content creation.

3.3 Potentials, Energy, & Fields

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🔬 Science Energy
  1. There's a debate in science about how we understand forces, like whether they act at a distance or through fields in space. Two main theories exist: one says forces happen instantly, while the other suggests they spread out gradually.
  2. George Green, a self-taught baker turned mathematician, made important contributions to the math behind electromagnetism. His work, which included ideas about electric potential and field theory, changed how we study these forces.
  3. Fields and potentials are two simple ways to describe how electricity and magnetism work. They help us understand how energy moves and behaves in different situations, like around charges or between capacitor plates.
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We’re Not Ready for the AI Power Surge

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 426 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. The rapid growth of AI technology is increasing the demand for energy, which may strain the current power grid in America.
  2. New AI models are becoming more powerful, and their popularity is likely to lead to even higher energy consumption as usage increases.
  3. Some experts express concern about the future energy needs for AI, while others believe the impact on electricity usage per query is low.

Network connectivity problems

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🎙 Podcasts Energy
  1. The National Grid’s queuing system for connecting new customers is badly broken and causes frustrating delays, and the government is trying to fix it.
  2. There’s a remarkable World War II railway bridge in Weston-super-Mare with an unusual wartime story that’s worth knowing.
  3. London’s planning system forces data centres and new homes to compete for limited electricity capacity, creating constraints on development, and the Gridlocked report argues planning changes could ease that pressure.

Heat maps on Germany: renewables and prices

GEM Energy Analytics • 239 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Germany's renewable energy sources like solar and wind are working well together, especially during the winter. This means Germany can rely on both types of energy to help meet their needs.
  2. Heat maps show that solar energy has a big impact on electricity prices, especially during sunny afternoons in the spring and summer. When there's lots of solar power, prices can drop.
  3. Comparing Germany with France on energy prices, we see Germany benefits from more solar energy during the day. This can lead to lower prices in Germany, especially in the afternoon.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #31

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. New obesity drugs are being developed that can help people lose a lot of weight quickly. These breakthroughs could make treatments more accessible and affordable for many people.
  2. Companies are working on exciting projects like reviving extinct species and creating new ways to explore the moon. These innovations could greatly impact conservation and space travel.
  3. There are serious challenges ahead, like rising dementia cases and declining birth rates, which could hurt the economy. Without action, these issues could have major effects on future generations.

wind and rain and sun and data

Dan Davies - "Back of Mind" • 334 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Supply and demand for electricity become more unpredictable with an increasing proportion of wind and solar energy
  2. The profit motive drives the application of information processing power and bandwidth to solve energy planning problems
  3. Market trading and the profit motive are ways to match the variety of the energy problem with the regulatory system

Ten favorites from 2025

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 42 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
💼 Business Energy
  1. Political choices and regulations shape big technological and infrastructural outcomes. Decisions about ownership, siting, and industrial policy often determine whether projects like power plants, aircraft firms, or urban housing succeed.
  2. Small regulatory and technical changes can unlock large health and market gains. Faster approval pathways, scalable biological technologies, and better competition metrics can bring treatments to more people and help regulators act effectively.
  3. Geography and collective action drive economic power and vulnerability. Who controls resources or how land is owned and reorganized affects trade, development, and security, and tools like land readjustment or desalination can reduce holdouts and dependencies.

The Sequence Opinion #770: The Post-GPU Era: Why AI Needs a New Kind of Computer

TheSequence • 63 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Modern AI depends on massive matrix multiplications run on GPUs, and much of its progress has come from scaling up models and GPU clusters.
  2. This brute-force scaling is hitting diminishing returns because it consumes huge amounts of energy and hardware, making further improvements increasingly costly.
  3. Researchers and startups are exploring radically different hardware—like analog chips, photonics, neuromorphic designs, and quantum systems—to build more efficient AI computers and move beyond GPUs.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #157

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 215 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Advanced nuclear technology is moving forward with a U.S. Department of Energy program that will help new companies test their reactor designs faster. This could really impact the country's energy future.
  2. A company called Vulcan is working to make rare earth magnets in the U.S. without relying on China, which is important for technology like electric vehicles and smartphones. They recently raised $65 million to expand their production.
  3. MIT researchers have used AI to design new antibiotics that could fight superbugs like MRSA and gonorrhea. This could be a big step forward in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria.

Saudi, Islam, Russia

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince MBS is a powerful player in global politics. He manages relationships with many major countries while balancing conflicts and alliances.
  2. MBS invited Ukraine's President Zelensky to speak about the struggles of Muslims under Russian control. This could change how Arab nations view their ties with Russia.
  3. MBS has increased Saudi wealth due to rising oil prices from the Ukraine conflict. His ambitious projects and power make him a key figure to watch in international affairs.

Europe pays more for banned Russian oil, resold by India - as EU wages fall

Geopolitical Economy Report • 538 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. Europe is indirectly purchasing Russian oil through India at higher prices despite sanctions, contributing to de-dollarization and falling wages.
  2. Russian oil exports to Asia, particularly China and India, have increased significantly due to Western sanctions, shifting away from Europe.
  3. Real wages in the EU have fallen by 6.5% from 2020 to 2022 due to rising energy costs and a severe cost-of-living crisis, impacting poorer households the most.

Weekly Dose of Optimism

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 226 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Meta is working on AI that can improve itself, which could lead to superintelligent systems. This tech aims to help people achieve their goals rather than just keeping them glued to social media.
  2. A Dutch startup has launched the first grid-connected iron-air battery, offering a more efficient way to store clean energy for extended periods. This could reduce reliance on rare materials used in traditional batteries.
  3. A new AI-designed gene editor is making it easier to edit the human genome precisely. This technology could lead to major advances in medicine and biotechnology, changing how we approach health and agriculture.

The most epic (and literal) gaslighting of all time

The Crucial Years • 1903 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy
  1. Exxon prioritizes profit over renewable energy, stating wind and solar power don't offer sufficient returns for shareholders.
  2. Exxon's history of deceit and denial regarding climate change has hindered progress for decades.
  3. The need for government intervention to address the climate crisis is highlighted, as market profits often impede meaningful solutions.

How does geothermal energy work, and why don’t we use it more?

Sustainability by numbers • 294 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Geothermal energy is mostly untapped, even though there's a lot of heat under the Earth's surface. It only provides about 0.3% of the world's electricity, which is quite low considering its potential.
  2. There are different types of geothermal energy like shallow heat for home heating and deep heat for electricity generation. However, to produce electricity, we need very high temperatures which are only found in certain areas of the world.
  3. Despite being cost-effective in the long run, geothermal projects have high initial costs and risks, making investment less appealing. Government support for geothermal energy is also not as strong as for other renewable sources.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #34

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. A new tool in ChatGPT can help with deep research by quickly analyzing information and providing organized reports. This makes it easier for people in schools and businesses to get useful insights.
  2. France is benefiting from its strong nuclear energy production, which keeps electricity prices lower compared to Germany. This helps France avoid the high costs associated with gas and coal.
  3. The push for cleaner energy is gaining speed, as countries like France are moving away from expensive fossil fuels. This shift is important for both economic stability and environmental health.

A Massive Win, and What It Means

The Crucial Years • 2002 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. A huge victory against the fossil fuel industry has been achieved by halting new licenses for LNG export terminals.
  2. Biden's decision sets a climate test for American fossil fuel expansion plans, signaling a transition from natural gas as a 'bridge fuel'.
  3. The fight for climate justice needs to include considerations for impacts on communities and involve effective monitoring and engagement with frontline leaders.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #33

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Boom Supersonic is working on a new jet that can fly really fast, like the Concorde. They aim to take people from London to Miami in under five hours, but they have some challenges to overcome.
  2. A new project by DARPA shows that one person can control many robots at once. This could change how we do things in the military and other industries by making robot teamwork easier.
  3. The Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Iowa might reopen by 2028. This is part of a trend to bring back nuclear energy as it can provide clean and reliable power, especially with rising energy needs.

453: Anthropic, Microsoft Athena AI Chip, Nvidia Strikes Back, Antitrust Catch-22, China vs Wind Power, Nobel Immigrants, EV, and JS Bach

Liberty’s Highlights • 491 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Be skeptical of misinformation during times of tragedy and beware of those who use geopolitical excuses to dehumanize situations.
  2. Don't get attached to beliefs and welcome constructive criticism to identify and correct blind spots over time.
  3. Electric vehicles are more energy-efficient compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, and smart planning is key to meet the increasing electricity demand for transportation needs.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #51

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. The US is speeding up its review process for new nuclear reactors, which could help increase energy efficiency and reduce waste. This new reactor design aims to start construction in 2026.
  2. There's a new material called Superwood made from waste wood that could replace steel and plastic in many products. It’s strong, lightweight, and could even be used in things like flying cars.
  3. A new mRNA flu vaccine from Moderna shows stronger results than the regular flu shot, especially for older adults. This could lead to better protection during flu seasons.

US blew up Nord Stream pipelines connecting Russia to Germany, journalist Seymour Hersh reports

Geopolitical Economy Report • 558 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. The US government, with the help of CIA, Navy divers, and NATO member Norway, reportedly destroyed the Nord Stream pipelines connecting Russia to Germany.
  2. There were denial from the White House and CIA about the covert operation, illustrating how they can legally lie to the public about such actions.
  3. US's planning to destroy Nord Stream began before Russia invaded Ukraine, with the operation executed by US Navy divers placing explosives on the pipelines during NATO exercises.

⚛ Atomic Amazon: The American nuclear revival takes another step forward

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. Nuclear energy has remained a stable part of America's energy mix for decades, but the vision of it being the main power source faded after the 1970s. People once imagined a future where almost everything was powered by nuclear energy.
  2. Amazon is investing in new nuclear technology called small modular reactors. This move is aimed at meeting its growing energy needs, especially for its cloud services and to support its goal of being carbon neutral.
  3. The revival of nuclear energy could mean a shift in the way we think about power sources. Companies like Amazon are taking steps to explore innovative solutions to energy challenges.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #156

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 192 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Energy
  1. The U.S. Department of Energy is making strides in nuclear energy by partnering with companies to create safer, advanced fuel types. This could strengthen America's energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign uranium.
  2. OpenAI has launched GPT-5, an improved version of its AI model that offers better performance without replacing humans. It's a sign of ongoing progress in making AI tools more reliable and useful for everyday tasks.
  3. A new AI from Google, called Genie 3, can create interactive environments based on text prompts. This technology can change the way we think about gaming and virtual experiences, making them more dynamic and engaging.

In case you missed my mitochondrial energy talk...

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 459 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Energy
  1. The Mitochondrial Energy Summit is hosting an 'Encore Weekend' event starting at 6 PM eastern time tonight, allowing those who missed the original airing to catch up.
  2. Attendees have praised the talk for its valuable insights on energy metabolism and nutrition, sparking discussions on lifestyle changes like consuming superfoods more regularly.
  3. Chris Masterjohn's talk has received glowing reviews, with attendees expressing appreciation for his knowledge, dedication, and balanced approach to discussing the intersection of genetics and nutrition.

Energy in electronic circuits

lcamtuf’s thing • 2244 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🔬 Science Energy
  1. Designing electronic circuits has become more stringent over the years due to advancements in technology.
  2. Understanding how energy travels through electronic circuits is crucial for circuit stability and efficiency.
  3. High-speed signals in electronic circuits can lead to significant energy expenditure and signal integrity issues.

It's the economic growth, stupid

¡Do Not Panic! • 452 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy
  1. Continued energy growth, irrespective of the source, could lead to catastrophic levels of waste heat.
  2. Global economic growth at 2.3% annually may hit a saturation point in 200 years due to resource constraints.
  3. Physical limits to growth, driven by raw physics, will eventually necessitate radical changes to current economic, political, and social systems.

Growing Energy Concerns

Vietnam Weekly • 255 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. Energy worries are mounting in Vietnam due to a possible electricity shortage from May through July.
  2. Vietnam is considering importing power from Laos and coal from neighboring countries to address energy challenges.
  3. Airlines in Vietnam are facing struggles with reduced routes, low demand, high airfares, and operational issues as the Lunar New Year approaches.

THB Insider #12

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 628 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🔬 Science Energy
  1. The author will soon evaluate their predictions for 2024 and will post about the upcoming 2025 predictions. It's a fun way to look back and see how accurate they were.
  2. A new paper has been posted for feedback and will be revised based on comments received. This is a chance for readers to engage and contribute their thoughts.
  3. The author is planning a Q&A session and is inviting readers to submit their questions. It's an opportunity for direct interaction and to discuss important topics.

Russia's Suicide

Diane Francis • 1518 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. Putin underestimated Europe's ability to find new energy sources after his invasion of Ukraine. He thought Europe would rely on Russia, but they quickly adapted and diversified their energy supply.
  2. Russia's economic future looks bleak as it can't easily replace the European market for its oil and gas. Without strong customers, the country faces economic isolation and declines.
  3. Putin's strategies have alienated Europe and lost trust globally. His flawed plans only strengthened NATO and made the world more united against his aggressive actions.

Tip of the Iceberg

Doomberg • 178 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Energy
  1. The Arctic Circle is becoming a key area for geopolitical competition. Countries are vying for energy resources and strategic advantages in this region.
  2. Despite its small size, the Arctic holds significant importance due to its natural resources and potential for economic growth.
  3. Understanding the dynamics in the Arctic is crucial for grasping the bigger picture of global energy and politics.

Weekly Wrap

Syncretica • 373 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
💼 Business Energy
  1. China's overproduction impacting US semiconductor market
  2. China's surplus of batteries and semiconductors leading to dumping solar products globally
  3. China's improving hydro situation likely to impact coal imports and emissions

A Letter to Elon

Gordian Knot News • 461 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy
  1. The Hanford Reservation is wasting huge amounts of taxpayer money on cleanup efforts that don't actually reduce radiation. The cleanup costs could reach up to $600 billion without making real progress.
  2. The Low Dose Hypothesis (LNT) is questioned because it's believed that our bodies have strong systems to repair damage from radiation. Many people think LNT isn't necessarily true and might even be outdated.
  3. If a new, more accurate model for radiation harm was used, it could save money and allow for cheaper and safer nuclear power. This change could help nuclear energy reach its full potential.

Are Hydrocarbons Really “Fossil” Fuels?

Doomberg • 249 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🔬 Science Energy
  1. Some scientists think hydrocarbons, which we call fossil fuels, might not actually come from ancient plants and animals. There are theories suggesting they could be formed from other natural processes deep within the Earth.
  2. In 1986, an oil drilling experiment in Sweden found hydrocarbons in an unusual location, challenging the idea that oil only comes from fossilized organic matter. This raises questions about our understanding of how hydrocarbons are formed.
  3. The concept of fossil fuels could be more complex than we thought. It encourages us to explore alternative origins for these energy sources instead of assuming they're all from the remains of past life.

The Wall Street Journal Article on LNT

Gordian Knot News • 197 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🔬 Science Energy
  1. The Linear No Threshold (LNT) model does not claim there's no safe dose of radiation. Instead, it looks at how radiation can increase cancer risk based on total exposure.
  2. LNT assumes that our DNA can't repair itself from radiation damage, which isn't true according to modern science. Our bodies have effective systems to fix DNA damage.
  3. Critics of LNT may overestimate cancer risks from radiation by ignoring actual biological repair processes, especially when radiation exposure is low and spread over time.