In climate and energy policy, certain well-intentioned ideas gain outsized popularity despite persistent evidence against them. One such appealing but deeply problematic approach is the “fabric first” philosophy — the notion that building decarbonization must begin by aggressively insulating and sealing structures, only later electrifying their heating systems. On the … [continued]
When China starts scaling a technology at massive levels, the rest of the world should take notice. That’s not a geopolitical statement, it’s a thermodynamic and logistical one. China doesn’t mess around when it comes to heat, power, and infrastructure. And in the case of ground-source heat pumps used for … [continued]
A recent study by researchers in Germany found the heat pumps often are the best financial and environmental choice for home owners.
New underground, long duration thermal energy storage systems can help manage skyrocketing energy demand from of data centers in the US.
This morning Dave Borlace of YouTube Just Have a Think fame reached out to ask me about a scheme to capture waste heat from a trash burning electricity plant, put it in thermal storage on barges and tow it 28 kilometers upriver to displace gas burning boilers in a district heating … [continued]
About 25 years ago, hydrogen was the solution of choice for climate-aware technocrats and politicians, and with good reason. At the time, there really wasn’t much choice in terms of low-carbon energy carriers. Batteries were good enough for laptops and phones, but clearly no one was going to be running … [continued]
There are many ways to decarbonize your life in 2024 and most of them will actually pay for themselves over time.
Large or small, heat pumps are a key pathway for rapid decarbonization.
I had the opportunity to sit down for 90 minutes with Dilip Chandrasekaran, engineer, materials science PhD and SVP of industrial heat leader Kanthal.
If you are only burning a few hundred gallons a year for a data center drawing 100 MW 24/7/365, the cost and carbon debt of fuel for your generators is not material.
