The hottest Infrastructure Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

How Batteries Are Making the Electrical Grid More Reliable

Construction Physics • 18999 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Energy Electronics Sustainability Renewables Infrastructure
  1. Batteries help keep the electrical grid stable by balancing the supply and demand of electricity. They can quickly charge and discharge, making it easier to match electricity use with what power plants produce.
  2. The use of batteries in places like California and Texas has grown a lot, making them a key part of the power grid. They help prevent outages and reduce electricity costs by storing cheap energy for when it's needed later.
  3. Batteries can also improve grid reliability by providing fast response to sudden changes in power demand. This is done using advanced technology that allows them to stabilize electricity flow without relying on traditional power plants.

If AI Is So Great, Someone Should Tell GDP

The Algorithmic Bridge • 222 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🕹 Technology AI Economics Infrastructure Productivity Investment
  1. AI investments have been rising, but there's not much difference in overall economic growth or productivity. This makes us question if spending so much on AI is really worthwhile.
  2. Companies are unsure whether it's better to invest heavily in new AI technology or to optimize what they already have. It’s a tricky balance to strike.
  3. Despite the hype around AI, it hasn't significantly improved things like GDP or human well-being. It's clear that AI is still looking for its true role in boosting our economy.

Reading List for 06/14/25

Construction Physics • 8768 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Robotics AI Infrastructure Energy Innovation
  1. A new executive order in the US is lifting the ban on supersonic flight over land, changing it to a noise-based standard. This could allow quieter supersonic jets to fly legally, which is a big step forward for aviation.
  2. Figure AI showcased a humanoid robot that can autonomously handle various package types efficiently. This demonstration highlights significant progress in robotic dexterity and the use of advanced AI models.
  3. There's a discussion about the data needed to train robots effectively, which is currently tough to gather. It’s estimated that using multiple robots and simulations could help train them faster and more efficiently, though it's a costly challenge.

Britain still isn't moving fast enough

Odds and Ends of History • 1474 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Government Democracy Transport Policy
  1. Building infrastructure in Britain is taking way too long, with projects like HS2 getting pushed back to 2036 or later. This is frustrating for people who want improvements now.
  2. Despite the government announcing plans to speed things up, the actual timelines for construction are still disheartening. Many projects won't be finished until 2040 or later.
  3. There's a disconnect between politicians making infrastructure decisions and seeing real changes in communities. Voters deserve to see results during their elected leaders' terms.

Can We Afford Large-scale Solar PV?

Construction Physics • 27768 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Solar Power Energy Storage Infrastructure Cost Analysis
  1. Solar energy can supply a significant part of electricity demand, with estimates suggesting it could meet 30-40% without needing a lot of extra infrastructure.
  2. Affordable batteries are crucial as they help balance supply and demand, not just for solar but for any energy system.
  3. If the costs of solar panels and batteries keep dropping, we might be able to meet up to 80% of electricity demand with solar, which makes the future of solar power look promising.
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Reading List for 06/07/2025

Construction Physics • 11065 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Energy Housing Infrastructure Regulations Manufacturing
  1. The US battery storage industry is facing challenges, including layoffs and rising costs from tariffs. This makes the future of battery storage uncertain.
  2. Affordable housing in the US is often expensive to build, due to complicated financing and various requirements. This leads to higher costs, despite being labeled 'affordable.'
  3. A map shows housing affordability across US counties, revealing areas where housing is expensive compared to income. Scenic areas often have high housing costs, even with low populations.

The Hidden Constraints on HOT Lanes

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Regulation Economics Infrastructure
  1. HOT lanes have strict rules to keep traffic moving, like needing to maintain a minimum speed. If the lanes are too slow, the company operating them can face financial penalties.
  2. The profit for companies managing HOT lanes can be limited because they have to share excess earnings with the government once they reach certain profit levels. This makes them less likely to take risks.
  3. Even though these lanes are better than regular roads, government rules still make them less efficient. There are many ideas for improvements that aren't being tried, like charging tolls during busy times.

Reading List for 05/31/2025

Construction Physics • 8977 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🕹 Technology Energy Infrastructure Nuclear Automotive Environment
  1. Wind farms can create 'wind shadows' that harm energy production for neighboring turbines. This has led to competition among developers, often resulting in rushed planning and environmental neglect.
  2. Nuclear power could become cheaper if safety rules, like the 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable' policy, are reconsidered. Overly strict regulations can drive up costs and make nuclear energy less viable.
  3. Chinese car company BYD is cutting EV prices significantly, which is helping it gain market share. In contrast, GM is investing in traditional combustion engines due to slowing EV sales.

Reading List 05/24/25

Construction Physics • 7724 implied HN points • 24 May 25
💼 Business Remote work Infrastructure Technology Real Estate Economic Policy
  1. Tulsa is attracting remote workers by offering $10,000 to new residents, which helps local businesses and encourages tech company growth.
  2. A tornado in St. Louis caused massive damage, destroying thousands of buildings and resulting in multiple fatalities due to sirens not sounding.
  3. In Shenzhen, stolen iPhones from around the world are often broken down and sold for parts, highlighting a global issue of theft and recycling.

Why I still believe in HS2

Odds and Ends of History • 2278 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Transport Policy Economy Public Opinion
  1. HS2 is important for connecting cities quickly and improving transportation. Finishing the railway is seen as essential for the country's future.
  2. Even though the project has faced delays and rising costs, stopping it now would mean losing valuable benefits that HS2 could bring.
  3. Investing in HS2 will help relieve pressure on existing train lines, allowing for more local services and better freight transport, which is crucial for overall infrastructure.

xAI and DeepSeek Have Shattered the AI Industry’s Golden Tenet

The Algorithmic Bridge • 297 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Industry Infrastructure
  1. AI is going through ups and downs, with some people losing trust because the hype isn't matching reality. But just like with other big inventions, these struggles are normal.
  2. There's a debate in the AI community about whether the focus should be on building more powerful models or making them work better in real life. Each approach has its supporters.
  3. Even with AI's growth, some people are still worried about its impact on their daily lives, emphasizing the need to balance development with public concerns.

How reliable is your node?

Kerman Kohli • 99 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Performance Data Infrastructure
  1. RPC calls to blockchain nodes only succeed about 78.5% of the time on average. This means that sometimes you might have trouble getting the data you need.
  2. The performance of nodes varies depending on the blockchain you’re accessing, the RPC provider you choose, and even the time of day you make your requests.
  3. To ensure better reliability, it’s smart to use multiple node providers rather than depending on just one. This way, if one fails, you have a backup.

Energy Cheat Sheet

Construction Physics • 85601 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Systems Infrastructure Decarbonization Renewable Energy Efficiency
  1. Energy is the ability to do work, like moving or changing things. Everything we do requires energy, and we can't create or destroy it, only change its form.
  2. Most of the energy we use gets wasted, with many losses occurring during energy transformations. Only about a third of the energy consumed goes towards useful work.
  3. Hydrocarbons, like oil and gas, are easy to store and transport, but as we shift to electricity, we need better storage solutions to manage fluctuations in supply and demand.

AI Infra Companies Are Coming for Verticals

Enterprise AI Trends • 211 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Infrastructure Data Innovation
  1. AI infrastructure companies are starting to create their own products for specific industries, which could hurt existing vertical businesses. This trend is called 'infra verticalization.'
  2. These infrastructure firms have a unique advantage because they collect valuable data that helps them see what works best in the market.
  3. The relationship between vertical AI and infra companies is getting tricky as they compete for the same customers and market space.

The National Parking Platform is a big, exciting deal and you should know about it

Odds and Ends of History • 1608 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Transport Infrastructure Data Management
  1. The National Parking Platform (NPP) is a new data system that makes paying for parking easier by allowing any payment app to work with any car park. This means you won't have to download many apps just to park your car.
  2. This platform collects data from all car parks, which helps local authorities manage parking better and reduce traffic by making sure spaces are used efficiently.
  3. The NPP could lead to new ways of thinking about parking, like offering discounts for electric cars or using real-time data to help drivers find available spots before they arrive.

Inside the Interconnection Queue

Construction Physics • 27559 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Infrastructure Renewable Energy Regulatory issues Economic Impact
  1. There are currently over 11,000 energy projects waiting to connect to the US electrical grid, with a total capacity that is nearly double what currently exists. This shows a huge demand for new power sources.
  2. The waiting time for projects has increased to over 5 years, causing delays in getting new energy infrastructure built. This bottleneck is a significant issue for the growth of renewable energy projects.
  3. Most upcoming projects are focused on renewable energy like solar, wind, and batteries, representing around 90% of planned capacity. This shift highlights a strong move towards cleaner energy across many states.

Five small signs of progress... and what Skegness can teach us about infrastructure

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Government Industrial Policy Housing Public Opinion
  1. There are some good signs of progress in infrastructure, like the government's plans for new reservoirs.
  2. Old Oak Common station is making strides in construction, showing that big infrastructure projects can move forward.
  3. Skegness's history highlights the importance of good infrastructure for success and how current issues affect politics.

🌳 🌈 Time for a hard reset for environmental policy: A Quick Q&A with … Emily Domenech

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Infrastructure Bipartisan Issues Activism
  1. Bipartisan environmental reform is hard to achieve because Republicans and Democrats have different ideas on what needs changing. One side wants to make building easier, while the other focuses on renewable energy.
  2. Many lawsuits against projects can cause delays and make them financially unfeasible. Even if most of these lawsuits fail, they still create uncertainty that can halt progress.
  3. Current environmental policies and lawsuits can block innovation instead of helping the environment. A reset might be needed to improve infrastructure and address climate change effectively.

Notes on DeepSeek: Generative AI is All About the Applications Now

Big Technology • 25395 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Applications Development Infrastructure Investment
  1. Generative AI is now cheaper to build, making it easier for developers to create new applications. This means we might start seeing more innovative uses of AI technology.
  2. The focus is shifting from how much money is spent on infrastructure to what practical applications can be built with AI. This could change the way companies approach AI development.
  3. While there is potential for exciting products, there is still uncertainty about how to effectively use generative AI. Not all that has been built so far has met high expectations.

The NIMBYs strike back

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Infrastructure Urban planning Political Advocacy Public Policy
  1. NIMBYs, or 'Not In My Backyard' groups, are causing issues for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in Parliament. They often oppose new developments near their homes, which can hinder progress.
  2. Criticism is directed at major media and environmental organizations like The Guardian and Natural England for their views on housing and development. This shows a clash of opinions on how to manage land use and development needs.
  3. A former Conservative cabinet minister, Sir Simon Clarke, argues that his party must focus on building and development to stay relevant. This highlights the need for political parties to adapt their policies to current societal demands.

NYC Congestion Pricing: Early Days

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2732 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Governance Transportation Infrastructure Public Opinion
  1. Congestion pricing in NYC means drivers now pay $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. This fee is aimed at reducing traffic and will increase over time.
  2. Traffic in and around Manhattan has improved since congestion pricing started. Travel times through tunnels have dropped significantly, leading to less congestion overall.
  3. While some people support the changes, others feel negatively about them. There are concerns that fewer cars mean fewer people in some areas, impacting local businesses.

China Can Cause Blackouts In US And Europe Through Solar Inverter Technology, Suggest Officials

Michael Shellenberger • 1105 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🕹 Technology Infrastructure Cybersecurity Renewable Energy International relations Military Strategy
  1. Chinese solar inverters can be remotely controlled, raising fears about their use in the US and Europe. This means they could shut down power systems unexpectedly.
  2. There are concerns that Chinese companies must cooperate with their government, which might expose critical infrastructure to risks. This includes sharing data or giving access to foreign authorities.
  3. The growth of solar energy could actually make the power grid more vulnerable to blackouts. More connections might create more weak points that could be targeted in a conflict.

🎇 Stargate isn't enough. Save the NSF

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure Government Investment Globalization
  1. America needs government support for technology, like what the National Science Foundation provides, not just help from big tech companies like those in Silicon Valley.
  2. Expansion of AI infrastructure, like the Stargate project, is important for keeping up with global competition, especially with advancements coming from other countries.
  3. Recent discussions about a Chinese AI model's efficiency highlight the need for the U.S. to continue investing in its tech sector to stay innovative and competitive.

Reading List 1/25/25

Construction Physics • 15032 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Infrastructure Energy Policy Nuclear power Data Centers
  1. Trump's executive orders are focusing heavily on deregulating energy projects, especially fossil fuels, which could speed up development but also pause other renewable projects like solar and wind.
  2. There is a renewed interest in restarting nuclear plants due to rising electricity demand, with several plants now being considered for revival in the U.S.
  3. Data centers are consuming more electricity now than ever, projected to account for a significant portion of U.S. electricity usage in the coming years.

How Good Are American Roads?

Construction Physics • 25889 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Transportation Policy Analysis Urban Development Public Spending
  1. US interstate roads are generally in good shape, with over 80% rated as good or very good. However, urban roads are often much worse, with many in poor condition.
  2. While American roads have decent quality, particularly interstates, there is limited data to compare them directly with roads in other countries, making it hard to draw firm conclusions.
  3. Roads in major US cities can be quite bad, especially in places like California, indicating a need for better maintenance and improvement in urban infrastructure.

Will the Reconnecting Communities program survive Trump?

Urben Field Notes • 27 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Urban planning Racial Justice Federal Policy Community Development
  1. The Reconnecting Communities program aims to fix the damage caused by highways in Black neighborhoods, like the Rose Quarter Project in Portland. It's about healing and bringing back the community that was lost.
  2. The Albina Vision Trust is actively working to rebuild their neighborhood with affordable housing and community spaces, even if the Reconnecting Communities program faces cuts. Their goal is to create a mix of homes that support both the community's needs and the environment.
  3. Political challenges, especially with changing leadership, threaten funding for these important community projects. Despite the uncertainty, the efforts to redevelop with a focus on racial justice and community resilience continue to move forward.

Reading List 1/11/25

Construction Physics • 14614 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automation Infrastructure Climate Robotics Transportation
  1. The fires in Los Angeles caused massive destruction, displacing over 100,000 people and resulting in damages estimated at more than $50 billion. This highlights the growing risks of wildfires in urban areas.
  2. Self-driving tractors are advancing with new technology, allowing them to perform various farming tasks autonomously. This could help farmers manage labor shortages more effectively.
  3. Automation is not just limited to self-driving vehicles; companies like Chick-fil-A are using robots to automate tasks like lemon squeezing, improving efficiency and making jobs easier for employees.

We’re Not Ready for the AI Power Surge

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 426 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Energy Data Infrastructure Innovation
  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.

🏗️ Permitting ourselves to build: A Quick Q&A with … energy policy expert James Coleman

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Regulation Energy Policy Judicial Review
  1. Building infrastructure in America has become very slow and difficult mainly due to environmental regulations like the National Environmental Policy Act. These rules, which were made to protect the environment, now often delay important projects for years.
  2. Many energy projects are stuck in regulatory and court processes, making it hard to shift to cleaner energy sources. Reforming these regulations could help speed up the development of clean energy initiatives.
  3. Judicial reviews and the ability of courts to issue injunctions often hold up projects unnecessarily. There needs to be a limit on how long these reviews can take to encourage investment in new infrastructure.

Reading List 02/15/25

Construction Physics • 8351 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💼 Business Insurance Automotive Investment Infrastructure Technology
  1. California is facing a homeowners insurance crisis, with the state relying on private insurers for a bailout to support its last-resort fire insurance, leading to increased costs for homeowners.
  2. Tech companies are vastly increasing their investments in AI data centers, with major players like Microsoft and Google planning to spend over $215 billion combined this fiscal year.
  3. Tesla is seeing a decline in sales both in Europe and the US, which may be linked to public perception of Elon Musk and his influence on politics.

Reading List 01/18/25

Construction Physics • 11483 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Space Tech Real Estate Infrastructure Transportation
  1. Real estate development plays a big role in how skyscrapers look and are built. There are great books that explain the process and thinking of developers involved in these projects.
  2. Congestion pricing in New York is improving traffic speeds significantly in a short time. People entering the zone are moving faster, helping them save time and frustration during their commutes.
  3. Some homes in Los Angeles survived wildfires due to smart design choices that included careful landscaping and construction techniques. These details can make a big difference in fire-prone areas.

Kubernetes for Data Engineers

VuTrinh. • 859 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Cloud Computing DevOps Software Development Infrastructure
  1. Kubernetes is a powerful tool for managing containers, which are bundles of apps and their dependencies. It helps you run and scale many containers across different servers smoothly.
  2. Understanding how Kubernetes works is key. It compares the actual state of your application with the desired state to make adjustments, ensuring everything runs as expected.
  3. To start with Kubernetes, begin small and simple. Use local tools for practice, and learn step-by-step to avoid feeling overwhelmed by its many components.

✨ DeepSeek drama: The optimistic case for AI spending momentum

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure Startups Investments Efficiency
  1. AI efficiency might actually lead to more overall spending, not less. As AI becomes cheaper and more effective, people might find new ways to use it, increasing demand.
  2. DeepSeek shows that powerful AI doesn't have to be built with expensive technology. They managed to create a strong AI model using cheaper chips and smart training methods.
  3. The AI market is still uncertain, and some experts want more information about how DeepSeek claims to cut costs. There’s a lot of interest in how this might change the tech industry.

✨⚡ Can we actually build Stargate?

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure Regulation Investment Jobs
  1. A big project called Stargate aims to invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure in the U.S. This could create over 100,000 jobs and involves building large data centers.
  2. There are concerns about whether the funding will be available, particularly from one of the investors, SoftBank. This skepticism raises doubts about the project's financial backing.
  3. The biggest challenge for Stargate might be the complicated federal permitting and regulatory processes. These rules could delay construction and impact the project's success.

Reading List 01/04/2025

Construction Physics • 11065 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup funding Infrastructure Natural resources Regulations
  1. There are maps showing natural amenities across the US, ranking places based on factors like temperature and sunshine. The West Coast and Florida score well, while the Midwest does not.
  2. Venture capital funding is shifting, with larger firms getting most of the money while smaller ones are struggling. There's a big drop in initial public offerings, making it tougher for investors.
  3. Boeing's recent struggles can be linked to its past merger with McDonnell Douglas, which seems to have affected its product development negatively.

Reading List 12/28/24

Construction Physics • 11065 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals Engineering Infrastructure Aerospace
  1. China is planning to build the world's largest hydroelectric dam, which could produce a huge amount of electricity and help meet its environmental goals.
  2. Chinese manufacturing is becoming very competitive not just in cars, but also in pharmaceuticals, with Chinese companies now creating many new drugs.
  3. In manufacturing, new startups often struggle financially at first, facing a tough phase called the 'valley of death' before they start making profits.

Development hailed as biggest transformation of town’s centre since ‘great fire’ has likely ‘considerable viability and funding gap’

NN Journal • 238 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Governance Public Policy Urban Development Economic Development Infrastructure
  1. The Greyfriars area in Northampton is set for a big redevelopment, but there are concerns about money to make it happen. A partnership with a regeneration company aims to figure out the costs and plans soon.
  2. This project could create over 7,000 jobs and boost the local economy by one billion pounds, but how to pay for it all is still unclear.
  3. Local leaders are excited about this transformation, viewing it as a chance to fix past development mistakes and improve the town's center significantly.

Hot take on an AI catfight

Marcus on AI • 6165 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure National Security Economics Environmental Impact
  1. OpenAI is launching a big project called The Stargate Project, which plans to invest $500 billion to improve AI infrastructure in the U.S. Over the next four years, they hope this will help the country's economy and national security.
  2. Elon Musk is skeptical about the funding and the true financial health of OpenAI. He suggests that previous promises may not hold true and questions whether this project will really benefit the American people.
  3. There are several uncertainties about this project, like whether developing AI will actually be profitable and how it might impact jobs. People worry if the profits will help everyone or just the rich, and if the U.S. can truly keep up with China's advancements in AI.

The AI Wave Accelerates

Nonzero Newsletter • 485 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Computing Innovation Infrastructure Climate
  1. New AI technology like OpenAI's Operator can help with tasks, but it's still not perfect and makes mistakes. This shows that AI is getting better, but we need to manage our expectations.
  2. There's a growing belief among experts that advanced AI could be here sooner than expected. This brings both excitement and concern about what it means for jobs and society.
  3. Recent events highlight the importance of careful thinking and understanding before jumping to conclusions, like in the case of undersea cable damages where initial fears of sabotage were proven wrong.

Visit to Bataan NPP, 2013-09

Gordian Knot News • 124 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Energy Nuclear Infrastructure Environment Urban planning
  1. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was nearly finished but never started due to political issues. It had been built during Marcos' regime but was halted after his overthrow.
  2. The plant has been neglected since the 1980s, meaning it suffers from damage and requires significant investment to be operational again. Some believe it could be revived in the future with the right leadership.
  3. Despite being outdated in some ways, the plant's control systems are considered reliable since they don't have software vulnerabilities. There's a discussion about improving monitoring without losing the existing analog system.