The hottest Renewable Energy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

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.

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.

Hits and Misses

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1599 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Sustainability Renewable Energy Global trends
  1. IEA scenarios are not predictions but imaginative sequences that help envision possible futures. They aim to guide policy but vary in how closely they match reality.
  2. Outlook scenarios from the IEA have performed better than normative ones, showing a steady rise in global energy demand instead of a decline.
  3. There are big gaps between IEA projections for solar and nuclear energy and real-world outcomes, highlighting the need for better understanding and scenario evaluation.

Pushing Back, Short-Term and Long

The Crucial Years • 3667 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Renewable Energy Environmental justice Activism
  1. This is a tough time for climate and social justice activists, with funding cuts causing chaos and uncertainty.
  2. There's a rising movement and resolve against harmful policies and actions, with people actively rallying and making their voices heard.
  3. Despite the challenges, the cost of clean energy is falling, giving us a promising opportunity to shift toward renewable resources and fight for change.

Six Things to Know About Your Electric Utility

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3179 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Infrastructure Environmental Impact
  1. Utilities have to serve everyone in their area, which limits how much risk they can take on new technologies. They often focus on proven ideas to avoid wasting customer money.
  2. Community opposition can make it really hard for utilities to expand infrastructure. This can slow down projects that are important for energy needs, as people often don’t want facilities near them.
  3. The push for renewable energy is complicated. While renewables can be cheaper, the technology for storing energy isn't perfect yet, leading utilities to still rely on fossil fuels during certain times.
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We Interrupt the Ongoing Crisis for a Smidgen of Good News

The Crucial Years • 3677 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Renewable Energy Artificial Intelligence
  1. The new Chinese AI program DeepSeek uses only a small fraction of the electricity needed by similar American AI systems. This could challenge the fossil fuel industry's excuse for building more power plants based on increased energy demands from AI.
  2. Fossil fuel stocks have not been performing well in comparison to the broader market for several years, raising concerns about the industry's future in a world moving towards decarbonization.
  3. In Europe, solar energy has recently outperformed coal for the first time, marking a significant shift towards renewable energy sources in the region.

Chartbook 347 The trouble with transitioning: putting energy history back on its feet.

Chartbook • 1759 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Climate change Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Environmental History
  1. Traditional views say that moving away from fossil fuels will solve climate issues and that renewable energy will become cheaper. But this view may not be correct.
  2. An analysis of energy use shows that instead of switching from one energy source to another, we tend to use more energy from different sources at the same time.
  3. Decarbonizing our energy systems is a complicated task that is influenced by history and requires new approaches, especially as countries like China play a significant role in renewable energy technologies.

Climate Change Did Not Cause the L.A. Fires

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2160 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Wildfires Environmental Science Public Health Renewable Energy
  1. Climate change isn't the main cause of the L.A. fires; rather, the amount of flammable material and infrastructure choices play a bigger role. Clearing brush and using fireproof materials in construction can help save areas from fires.
  2. Steven Koonin argues that focusing solely on reducing carbon emissions won't address the immediate fire risks. He believes there are more direct and practical solutions to prevent such disasters.
  3. The discussion highlights differing opinions on climate issues, especially in relation to immediate environmental disasters like wildfires. It's important to consider various factors rather than attributing everything to climate change.

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.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #32

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Development Robotics Genetics Renewable Energy
  1. China has introduced a new AI model, DeepSeek, which could challenge the U.S.'s lead in AI technology. It's created with fewer resources and is making waves in the AI landscape.
  2. The U.S. is launching a major AI project called Stargate, promising to build advanced data centers to enhance tech development. This move aims to keep the U.S. at the forefront of AI innovations.
  3. Researchers are developing robots for farming and pollination that could change agriculture. These robots could help increase crop yields and make farming more sustainable.

Do US states with more renewable energy have more expensive electricity?

Sustainability by numbers • 316 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Sustainability Energy Sources Environmental Policy
  1. Having more renewable energy sources like solar and wind doesn't always mean higher electricity costs. Some states with a lot of renewables actually have lower prices.
  2. Electricity prices vary widely between states due to many factors, not just the types of energy used. Things like distribution costs and market design play big roles.
  3. Tracking electricity prices over time can show the impact of renewable energy. Some states see lower prices with more renewables, while others may see prices rise.

The Democrats finally come clean on gas

The Crucial Years • 1315 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Energy Production Environmental justice Fossil fuels Renewable Energy
  1. The Democrats have finally acknowledged the negative impacts of natural gas and its exports on climate change. This honesty is an important step for addressing environmental issues moving forward.
  2. Past policies favored natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal, but high methane leak rates from fracking have shown that it's not a perfect solution for the climate crisis.
  3. The shifting energy landscape is pushing for a focus on renewable sources like wind and solar, instead of relying on natural gas exports, which could harm national and global climate efforts.

Power Down Blunder

Doomberg • 7469 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Policy Environmental Issues Global Warming
  1. Australia has great potential for renewable energy like solar and wind, but things aren't going as smoothly as planned.
  2. As they keep adding more renewable energy sources, the country is facing rising electricity prices and shortages, especially during peak demand times.
  3. The government is now asking people to cut back on using appliances like dishwashers to help the struggling energy grid.

An America-sized hole in the world

The Crucial Years • 2172 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Global Politics Environmental Policy Sustainable Development
  1. America may not lead the fight against climate change anymore, but individuals can still make a difference through global action. Local efforts matter, especially in places with strong clean energy initiatives.
  2. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming more affordable, and there's potential to rapidly increase their use. If we can double solar installations, we can make a real impact on climate goals.
  3. While the U.S. government may not prioritize clean energy, states and communities still recognize its economic benefits. This means there's a significant opportunity for grassroots movements and local investments to push for change.

Storage Units

Doomberg • 6525 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Storage Environmental Policy Climate Science
  1. Transitioning solely to renewable energy sources is risky because no region has successfully operated a reliable grid using only wind and solar power.
  2. Building storage systems, like batteries, is expensive and may not solve the issues of reliability when renewables aren't producing energy.
  3. Conducting small-scale experiments at home can help individuals understand how much backup power they really need when the grid is unstable.

A Thing to Think About That Isn't That Thing

The Crucial Years • 1275 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Climate Policy Environmental Activism Sustainability
  1. Balcony solar panels are a convenient and popular way for apartment dwellers to harness solar energy in Germany. These small solar setups are easy to install and can power small appliances, promoting energy independence.
  2. The U.S. has stricter regulations regarding solar installations, making it difficult for similar plug-and-play systems to thrive. This contrasts with Europe, where regulations are often more relaxed, leading to faster adoption of such technologies.
  3. Balcony solar systems are a part of a larger trend in renewable energy. This small yet meaningful step represents a growing movement toward sustainable living and empowerment in combating climate change.

How utilities and big oil broke the economic model of offshore wind

Jérôme à Paris • 1069 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Regulation Energy Policy Market Dynamics Corporate strategy
  1. Offshore wind is struggling right now because many companies are trying to sell their projects but are facing lower prices and high costs. Competition has dropped as big companies pushed out smaller players.
  2. Big utilities tried to regain control of the market through lobbying and moving into new areas, but this led to financial misjudgments and a bubble that has now burst, causing many to exit offshore wind.
  3. Despite the current challenges, offshore wind can still be a viable energy source especially in Europe, as countries look to create fair competition and avoid barriers that exclude smaller developers.

Whales Die, While Officials, Media, and Environmentalists Lie

RESCUE with Michael Capuzzo • 7567 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Global Warming
  1. Whales are dying along the East Coast due to offshore wind turbines and oil & gas drilling, raising concerns about environmental impacts.
  2. There is uncertainty and disagreement among experts and agencies about the connection between offshore wind activities and whale deaths.
  3. Offshore wind projects may have limited impact on global emissions and climate change, but they are still considered integral for state plans.

CLIMATE MADNESS: Wind turbines FREEZING in the cold

The Freedom Corner with PeterSweden • 4009 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy
  1. Wind turbines are freezing in cold temperatures, causing significant electricity production loss.
  2. Diesel generators are being used to de-ice wind power turbines in winter, leading to increased electricity prices.
  3. Cold weather affects wind power reliability, impacting electricity supply for new electric vehicles.

AI Datacenter Energy Dilemma - Race for AI Datacenter Space

SemiAnalysis • 8990 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Carbon Emissions Renewable Energy
  1. The demand for AI clusters is stressing datacenter capacity and posing challenges for power supply, especially for training with GPUs needing high-speed networking.
  2. The accurate forecast of datacenter power demand associated with the growth in AI infrastructure is essential to plan for necessary infrastructure enhancements and power supply improvements.
  3. Factors like electricity costs, stability of energy supply, and carbon emissions will determine which countries can emerge as leaders in supporting the energy-intensive AI datacenter boom.

The Cleantech Revolution

Renewable Revolution • 799 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Sustainability Fossil fuels Electrification Energy Efficiency
  1. The energy system is changing fast because of renewables, electrification, and efficiency. These changes are happening more quickly than many people think.
  2. Clean technology is getting cheaper and more popular, outpacing fossil fuels. Over the last decade, costs have dropped significantly and energy generation from sources like solar has grown a lot.
  3. Fossil fuels are on the decline. Renewables are set to take over energy generation, making it clear that we need to accelerate our shift to clean energy technologies.

Suggestions to reform the German electricity market

Jérôme à Paris • 534 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Climate change Renewable Energy
  1. Germany needs to redesign its electricity market to make it more efficient and environmentally friendly. This means achieving reliable power delivery at the lowest cost while reducing carbon emissions.
  2. Renewable energy sources should not get special treatment, as they can already produce power at low costs. Instead, the focus should be on balancing supply and demand effectively without unnecessary subsidies.
  3. Smart meters must be rolled out faster to help households adjust their energy use and production. This would allow them to save money and contribute to a more stable electricity system.

Full Circle

Doomberg • 8635 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Global impact Energy transition
  1. Germany's energy strategy has led to a self-induced mess with the dismantling of nuclear reactors and reliance on coal, showing the consequences of climate initiatives on a national scale.
  2. The destruction of Nord Stream pipelines has raised questions about the involvement of political leaders and the lack of clarity or accountability regarding the incidents.
  3. Germany's shift towards expanding gas-fired power plants to compensate for the exit from coal showcases the challenges and complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

The Most Hopeful Chart in the World

Material World • 1400 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Technological Impact
  1. Solar energy is growing rapidly, despite predictions that it would plateau. This shows that technology can indeed provide solutions to energy challenges.
  2. On the flip side, coal consumption in China is still increasing, contradicting expectations that it would decline. This highlights a serious issue in the global energy transition.
  3. The production of solar panels and batteries relies heavily on coal, which makes the transition to greener energy more complex than it appears. We need to be aware of how these products are made and the hidden costs involved.

Dirty Secret

Doomberg • 7905 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Renewable Energy
  1. Global coal demand is smashing records, expected to reach an all-time high in 2023 due to strong demand in emerging economies like India and China.
  2. There seems to be a practical grand bargain between governments and the fossil fuel industry over climate change, with a focus on minimizing coal use in the West and leveraging coal in the developing world.
  3. Despite efforts in renewable energy, coal remains popular due to its cheap, reliable, and storable nature, with the International Energy Agency predicting a decline in demand by 2026 despite current high consumption.

Germany Is Being Served Up on a Platter to the Far Right

Persuasion • 2240 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Energy Policy Climate change Far Right Politics Renewable Energy
  1. Germany's energy policies are leading to a decrease in electricity generation, impacting the economy and potentially fueling support for the far right.
  2. The transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar in Germany has not kept up with energy demand, causing reliance on fossil fuels.
  3. The shift away from nuclear power in Germany has resulted in challenges balancing the energy grid and economic consequences, contributing to dissatisfaction and political shifts.

Andrew Leach: The day Alberta almost went dark

The Line • 2220 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy crisis Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Climate Resilience
  1. Alberta almost faced a power crisis due to project delays affecting wind and solar energy generation.
  2. Cold snap increased electricity demand in Alberta, highlighting the importance of reliable energy sources.
  3. Delays in critical energy projects like Cascade and Genesee expansion contributed to the vulnerability of Alberta's grid system.

Webinar on The Battery Mineral Loop

Renewable Revolution • 119 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Renewable Energy Resource Management Environmental Policy Webinars
  1. There will be a webinar discussing how to reduce the need for new mined battery minerals by 2050. It's a great opportunity to learn more about this important topic.
  2. The webinar is happening on August 22nd at 11:30 AM Eastern Time. Mark your calendar if you're interested in the future of battery minerals.
  3. You can read a detailed report called 'The Battery Mineral Loop' to get more insights before the webinar. It's a good way to prepare and understand the discussion better.

The Grid, Part IV: The Hard and Soft Paths of Energy Strategy

Construction Physics • 8142 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy
  1. The US electrical grid is a massive machine supplying over 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
  2. Challenges face the grid like the introduction of variable electricity sources and decreasing reliability.
  3. Future energy strategies may involve a mix of large-scale infrastructure development and innovative, decentralized solutions.

Um, I think we all just won

The Crucial Years • 3816 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Climate Impacts Renewable Energy Activism
  1. Biden's decision to halt the biggest fossil fuel expansion on earth is a major win in standing up to the fossil fuel industry.
  2. Exporting natural gas can raise prices for American consumers, and Biden's stance could help in reducing inflation.
  3. The decision is seen as both brave and strategic, aiming to gain support from young climate-conscious voters and addressing concerns about future impacts on greenhouse gas emissions.

Low-carbon tech needs much fewer materials than it used to; this matters for resource extraction in the future

Sustainability by numbers • 364 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Resource Management Circular Economy Renewable Energy
  1. Low-carbon technology is using way fewer materials now than in the past. This means we can reduce the need for new resource extraction in the future.
  2. Many materials from old solar panels and batteries can be recycled more effectively, which could lead to a 'super-circular' economy. This is better than just making one new item from one old item.
  3. Improvements in material efficiency for solar panels and batteries mean that even if we don’t recycle everything perfectly, we can still have enough materials for more new products.

☢️ Germany’s lost nuclear decade: A Quick Q&A with … energy researcher Jan Emblemsvåg

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear power Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Policy decisions
  1. Germany's decision to move away from nuclear power has resulted in significant financial losses and missed opportunities for cleaner energy. They could have saved a lot of money while maintaining their energy production.
  2. Public fear from past nuclear disasters, like Chernobyl and Fukushima, greatly influenced Germany's reluctance to rely on nuclear energy. This created strong political pressure against it over the years.
  3. Recently, there are signs that Germany might reconsider its stance on nuclear power due to rising energy costs and the diminishing influence of anti-nuclear political parties. Changes could happen in future elections.

European power reserves: part 2 - aFRR (and how solar is impacting it)

GEM Energy Analytics • 279 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Electricity Markets Solar Power
  1. The automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve (aFRR) is crucial for keeping the electricity system balanced in Europe, especially in countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
  2. Solar power is increasingly affecting aFRR prices. When there is a lot of solar energy, traditional power plants are less relied upon, which can lead to higher prices for flexibility in power reserves.
  3. As renewable energy grows, power systems will constantly switch between having too much and too little flexibility. This means power reserve prices could go up significantly during sunny periods.

The Incredible Inefficiency of the Fossil Energy System

Renewable Revolution • 339 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Efficiency Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Sustainability Environmental Policy
  1. Fossil fuel energy systems are really inefficient, wasting about two-thirds of energy before it even provides any benefit. This waste amounts to around $4.6 trillion every year.
  2. The main reason for this inefficiency is fossil fuels themselves, particularly in power plants and gas engines, which are responsible for almost half of the total energy waste globally.
  3. New technologies like renewables, local energy sources, and electric vehicles are becoming more efficient. They're replacing fossil fuels because they’re cost-effective and significantly reduce energy waste.

Blight of the Plebs

Doomberg • 7718 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Environmental Impact
  1. Living near wind farms can have negative impacts like noise pollution and disruption to farming.
  2. There can be aggressive legal tactics in the wind industry to collect tax credits, leading to conflicts with rural communities.
  3. There is a divide between urban and rural areas on climate change, with rural areas more skeptical and urban areas more supportive of climate action.

Batteries: how cheap can they get?

aukehoekstra • 262 HN points • 16 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Battery technology Renewable Energy Electric Vehicles
  1. Sodium batteries will become significantly cheaper, revolutionizing the electricity grid and boosting the integration of solar and wind energy.
  2. Batteries are continuously improving in terms of production methods and material composition, providing lighter, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective solutions.
  3. Predictions suggest that stationary batteries will become widespread and affordable, reshaping the energy grid into a decentralized and resilient system, supporting renewable energy expansion.

An odd silence

The Crucial Years • 2630 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Activism
  1. The global climate crisis is not receiving the attention it deserves in mainstream media.
  2. Record-high temperatures and other alarming climate events are being overshadowed by more 'headline-friendly' news stories.
  3. The urgency and scale of the climate crisis require swift and unprecedented action, even though these changes may not fit into traditional news narratives.