Climate is the overwhelming story of our generation. Each week, this email reports the science, often frightening, and the tech, mostly encouraging. Please share to help others appreciate the problem, and that we have solutions. Free sign up at www.maxaitken.com 

What you need to know

Thermal storage: could save our bacon, and probably make bacon too

Why this matters? Volatile wind/solar needs storage. Batteries good, but short-term. Next: turn surplus power to heat, withdraw over days/weeks for industry. Could replace 40% global gas, says a new report.
We there yet? Actually yes, under 700ºC - enough for food manufacturing. Might get up to 1,600ºC soon.
Read more: SystemIQ/Breakthrough Energy

Germany: €19bn subsidies for low-carbon industry

Why this matters? Germany’s industrial production, hit hard by the energy crisis, is still down 10%. Boosting it with massive green subsidies (basically to compete with France’s cheap nuclear power).
Your challenge? In paper, glass, chemical or steel? Get your piece.
Read more: AP

Fusion actually moves forward, reduces cost by 40x, now only ‘massive’

Why this matters? Fusion would solve everything. But it’s hotter than the sun: needs materials we haven’t invented yet.
Progress? MIT have shown their new magnet could make nuclear fusion commercial, through massive cost reductions.   
Can we do it? We’re human, we make stuff happen (see my end of year rant if you’re a new subscriber). But don’t expect this soon.
Read more: Futurism

One thing to worry about

US gas worse than we thought: methane leaks from production 3x higher than previous - ahem - industry estimates 🤥. Nature used satellite data to actually measure it (summary: AP).

Also this week, the IEA found global methane emissions at a record high. Target is 75% reductions, this decade. Tough ask.

One thing to be optimistic about

Stanford University looked at 145 countries and concluded that 100% clean, renewable grids are as reliable as the current system - and on average 61% cheaper.

Don’t believe the naysayers. We can do it cheaper, cleaner and more secure. 😁

If you’ve got more time, please read this…

Get a coffee and ponder on this by Jonathan Porritt. Sit by a window as you’ll want to stare into the middle distance for a bit.

He writes what many people (including me) have come to realise:

1. Climate is changing faster than scientists thought possible

2. Temperature increases of 1.5°C is baked in; 2ºC is not far off; credible projections now higher (John Kerry says 2.5ºC, France prepping 4ºC)

3. Climate scientists know it, but aren’t shouting loud enough

4. People don’t understand what’s going on

5. This will affect everything we know & love, and not in a good way

Porritt is firm: those who know, need to shout.

This email is dedicated to my great friend Tim Evans, founder of 3ti, who passed this week. He helped us build Estover, and I helped him build 3ti.

He worked in clean energy for thirty years - since the beginning. Read a tribute from 3ti here, and the European movement here.

My new business is Beaverbrook Energy - supporting commercial & industrial companies in the energy transition. Follow us on LinkedIn.