The hottest Renewables Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Some early lessons of 2024 in the energy sector

Jérôme à Paris • 510 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Policy Investments Market Trends
  1. Solar energy is growing really fast, leading to more electricity than we often need, causing prices to drop sometimes.
  2. Energy storage is becoming super important to handle all the extra solar power, but keeping up with the growth is tricky.
  3. Despite talk of a big rise in energy demand, actual usage is mostly stable or even going down in many places, especially in Europe.

Three threats to the age of energy abundance

Noahpinion • 7470 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Energy Crypto AI Renewables
  1. The world is experiencing a new age of energy abundance due to advancements in solar power, batteries, and other renewable technologies, leading to increased productivity and numerous possibilities for innovation.
  2. Potential threats to this energy abundance come from the increasing demand for electricity driven by new digital technologies like Bitcoin and AI, as well as challenges in connecting new power sources to the U.S. electrical grid.
  3. Electricity demand in the U.S. is unexpectedly rising again after years of being flat, creating a need for better preparation and planning to meet the surging demand.

Focus on European power reserves: part 1 - FCR

GEM Energy Analytics • 279 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🕹 Technology Energy Storage Renewables Market Analysis
  1. Frequency Containment Reserves (FCR) are the fastest type of power reserves in Europe, helping to keep the electricity grid stable as more renewable energy sources are integrated.
  2. FCR prices can vary significantly and are influenced by solar energy production, with periods of high solar generation leading to higher FCR prices due to a lack of flexible energy sources.
  3. The rise of large batteries in the market is changing FCR dynamics, and while they add flexibility, they can also lead to price fluctuations depending on the availability of renewable energy.

Chartbook 259 Germany's CO2 emissions plunge. But all is not at it seems

Chartbook • 1831 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Emissions Renewables Government Energy transition Climate targets
  1. Germany's CO2 emissions fell by 20%, showing a significant reduction in coal-fired power generation.
  2. Renewable energy production increased by 5%, with solar power setting a record in 2023 in Germany.
  3. Emissions in buildings and transportation sectors remained unchanged, missing climate goals, requiring more action.

The Great Reallocation

Renewable Revolution • 799 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Capital Economics Policy
  1. Renewable energy doesn't actually need a huge increase in investment compared to fossil fuels. As fossil fuel spending goes down, the overall increase in spending is only about 2% a year.
  2. Investing in renewables is expected to grow significantly, doubling in the coming years while fossil fuel investments will decline. This shift is possible because renewable technology costs are dropping.
  3. The transition to a cleaner energy system is doable without needing massive funds. The main challenge is making sure that investments focus on developing the right infrastructure and policies.
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How the German energy transition has committed taxpayers to paying billions of Euros for the sun to shine

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 169 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewables Climate change Environmental Economics Sustainability
  1. Germany's energy transition has made taxpayers pay billions for solar energy, even when supply exceeds demand. This means people are paying producers for electricity that isn't really needed.
  2. The costs for solar feed-in tariffs are rising every year, and future projections expect them to reach even higher levels. This could lead to major budget issues for the government.
  3. New rules for solar subsidies aim to prevent overproduction from larger solar farms, but smaller operators remain a problem without a clear solution. Many small solar users may not benefit from these changes.

The Emergence of Duck Curves in Europe

GEM Energy Analytics • 319 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Climate Policy Market Analysis
  1. Solar energy in Europe has grown a lot in recent years. By the end of 2024, solar power capacity will nearly double, helping to meet electricity needs.
  2. Duck curves are becoming more common, showing that solar energy creates cheaper electricity prices in the afternoon. This trend is seen in countries like Greece, Germany, and Spain.
  3. The impact of solar energy isn't just in Europe; places like Australia are seeing similar effects. As solar use increases, it changes the price dynamics in electricity markets.

Got bail?

The Crucial Years • 906 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Protest Energy Climate Renewables Emissions
  1. Protest outside the Department of Energy in early February against permitting new LNG export terminals
  2. Arguments against granting new export licenses include high greenhouse gas emissions and negative impact on local communities
  3. Participate in peaceful civil disobedience or support rallies, with options for training sessions and online nonviolence training

🤖⚡ Does AI use too much energy? A Quick Q&A with … policy analyst James Broughel

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Energy Policy Renewables Tech industry
  1. Critics think AI consumes a significant amount of energy, comparable to whole countries.
  2. There's a risk of AI's energy consumption becoming a political issue, akin to past debates around cryptocurrency.
  3. Leading tech companies are working to use renewable energy sources to power AI, reducing potential worries about its energy usage.

Updates on Spain (as of April 2024)

GEM Energy Analytics • 179 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Market Trends Solar 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 Nuclear Renewables Trade Policy
  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.

What about the cost?

Everything is Light • 668 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Clean Energy Policy Costs Renewables Nuclear power
  1. Comparing the costs of different energy sources is more complex than just looking at the upfront costs of individual components.
  2. The Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) metric is not sufficient for assessing cost-effectiveness because it overlooks various factors like system costs and reliability.
  3. It's essential to consider the true costs of energy sources, including factors like backup power needs, disposal costs, and environmental impacts, to make informed and effective energy policy decisions.

Heat maps on Germany: renewables and prices

GEM Energy Analytics • 239 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewables Energy Data Visualization Sustainability
  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.

It's the economic growth, stupid

¡Do Not Panic! • 452 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Renewables Degrowth
  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.

An introduction to (green) Hydrogen

GEM Energy Analytics • 299 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Decarbonization Renewables
  1. Hydrogen is seen as important for reducing carbon emissions, but it's not a complete solution. It can help in specific tough areas but isn't the only answer.
  2. Producing hydrogen currently causes pollution because most of it is made from natural gas or coal. Only a tiny bit comes from clean methods like renewable energy.
  3. Green hydrogen is expensive to produce, and its high costs mean it will be limited. It's better used in areas where alternatives like electricity don't fit, not for everyday home heating or personal cars.

The Solar Buildout

Syncretica • 314 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🔬 Science Solar energy Renewables Energy Policy
  1. Building solar power in regions with high sun hours is more economical and efficient.
  2. Solar power can be strategically placed based on demand, like in coastal regions with high air conditioning demand.
  3. Transitioning to solar power impacts traditional energy sources like gas and coal, potentially leading to energy independence.

The impact of renewable energy on electricity costs

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Economics Policy Sustainability
  1. Renewable energy, like wind and solar, generally helps to lower electricity prices rather than raise them. In Spain, for example, these sources cut prices by up to 58% compared to using only fossil fuels.
  2. The recent energy crisis was mainly due to rising natural gas prices, not the shift to renewable energy. Without renewables, the costs and inflation would have been even worse.
  3. While renewables can be less reliable at times, investing in energy storage and other clean sources can solve the supply issues. Stopping the shift to renewables will likely lead to higher electricity bills and inflation.

Build Nuclear. Frak. Drill.

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 455 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Emissions Policy
  1. Nuclear energy is a cost-effective and clean solution for reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
  2. Modern nuclear energy plants are safe, produce minimal waste, and are more efficient than other renewable energy sources.
  3. Choosing nuclear energy is crucial for addressing climate change and has been successfully implemented in countries like France.

Oil, Climate, Oppenheimer, and Restructuring

Life in the 21st Century • 275 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Oil Climate Energy Renewables Institutions
  1. Transitioning away from oil use is crucial for addressing climate change and reducing energy waste
  2. Restructuring transportation infrastructure to be more efficient can help in cutting oil consumption
  3. There is a need to reevaluate and revalue daily human life to address the inadequacies and obsolescence of current institutions and values

Energy-as-a-service

GEM Energy Analytics • 239 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Energy Innovation Services Sustainability Renewables
  1. Energy-as-a-service is a new way to think about energy. Instead of paying for the electricity you use, you would pay for the services it provides, like heating or lighting.
  2. Mini-grids in Africa show how flexible energy solutions can work. These small systems can innovate with different pricing models to meet local needs.
  3. Smart technology could make it easier for consumers to handle their energy use. If providers take care of the complexity, people could just enjoy reliable services without worrying about fluctuating prices.

In search of lithium

Everything is Light • 235 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Mining Geology Sustainability Renewables
  1. Cornwall has a rich mining history, especially with tin and copper, shaping modern Cornwall.
  2. The global demand for lithium is rising due to electric vehicles and solar panels, potentially leading to shortages by 2025.
  3. Mining lithium in Cornwall is seen as an opportunity for economic growth, jobs, and a sustainable supply of a crucial element for the green transition.

The Economist on New Electricity Technologies

Knowledge Problem • 176 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Energy Digitalization Innovation Policy Renewables
  1. The Economist reports on new electricity technologies, like high voltage transmission and grid-forming inverters, vital for a cleaner energy future.
  2. Systemic changes in energy infrastructure take time and investment, but are crucial for achieving reliable and sustainable power.
  3. Digitization and renewable energy adoption are reshaping grids, calling for new investments and regulatory adjustments to maintain stability and affordability.

A New Era in Energy Technology

Startup Pirate by Alex Alexakis • 176 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Energy Renewables AI Innovation Startups
  1. Europe is transitioning to clean energy to combat high electricity prices, energy dependence, and climate goals.
  2. Renewable energy advancements like solar power and batteries are facilitating economic growth and decarbonization.
  3. Innovations in energy technology, like AI-powered platforms and green hydrogen compressors, are reshaping the industry towards sustainability and efficiency.

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

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

If the UK has lots of renewables, why do electricity prices follow gas prices?

Sustainability by numbers • 206 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewables Green Energy Market Dynamics
  1. Electricity prices follow gas prices because the most expensive source that needs to be turned on at any given time, usually gas, sets the price.
  2. In many electricity markets, the price is determined by the most expensive source that has to be turned on to meet demand, known as the marginal price.
  3. To lower electricity prices, there needs to be lower demand or an increase in renewable and nuclear energy sources to reduce the need for more expensive sources like natural gas.

EU's critical minerals, nickel labor, and EVs may not cut it for auto sector

Green Rocks • 78 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Mining Renewables Energy transition Sustainability Biodiversity
  1. Climate technologies require huge amounts of metal, impacting mining and emissions reduction efforts.
  2. Concerns rise over labor conditions in Indonesia's booming nickel industry with reports of worker mistreatment.
  3. The auto sector faces challenges in meeting climate goals, requiring carbon standard agreements and increased renewable energy use.

Can dissipating energy be profitable ?

GEM Energy Analytics • 79 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
💼 Business Energy Economics Renewables Market Analysis Investment
  1. Dissipating energy can actually be a business opportunity, especially when there's a lot of renewable energy that needs to be used quickly. This could be done by creating heat with electricity.
  2. The European power markets show that there is potential to earn money by providing flexible energy solutions, such as using heaters or other simple devices to quickly use excess electricity.
  3. A smarter way to approach energy dissipation is to use the heat generated from electricity for useful purposes, like district heating, instead of just wasting it.

The New Energy Economy

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