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What you need to know

Next up: Electric Seagliders. Seriously.

This is possible? Basically drone tech: efficient electric motors & computer stabilisation.
Give me stats. 180 miles at 180 mph. Flies low over water, on a cushion of air. Half the cost of short-haul.
Anyone done this before? Oh yes. The Soviets’ Caspian Sea Monster: more of an invasiony vibe.
Read more: Regent Craft

Next time you criticise a plastic straw, remember Chinese fishing fleets are now so large you can see them from space

Why? They took all the fish close to China, so now roam the world’s oceans. 90 countries have reported them so far.
How big? No-one knows. Maybe 800,000 boats. Some catch in a week what a local takes in a year. “Motherships” enable fishermen to be at sea for months.
Still, every paper straw helps. Maybe not.
Read more: Oceana; Economist (£)

Wise man states difficult thing requires effort. Many disciples nod solemnly.

Um? Daniel Yergin, epic historian of energy, caused a stir (of sorts, in certain circles) by stating (at length) that, well, replacing the entire world’s energy system will require, yes, time, expense and effort. Surprise.
Any useful points? So far, the ‘energy transition’ has been about ‘energy addition’ - we haven’t yet replaced fossil use, only avoided increasing consumption. True.
Read more: Yergin in Foreign Affairs

One thing to worry about

One thing to be optimistic about amuse you

I appeared on bus shelters, thanks to Energy Voice magazine. My kids laughed. And made me realise I need a haircut.

If you’ve got more time, think about this…

Can the UK afford net zero?

This week UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) dropped their latest - to sound & fury.

Right-wing critics thumped on about renewables causing Britain's high energy prices. But, the CCC argued, low-carbon will save every UK household around £1,400/year… though in, er, 2040.

So what’s true?

😀 Renewables will reduce costs - eventually. Wind and solar are cheap to operate, once built. A renewable-based grid protects us from volatile gas markets (that’s pushing up our prices right now).

😬 But, a lot of investment is needed upfront. New kit needs cash now: Grid upgrades, energy storage, and electrifying home heating. Sadly short-term costs will be greater than short-term savings.

🤔 There’s a bigger picture. It's not just £££. Net-zero drives innovation, employment, and health with improved air quality. Also, err, helps save our home planet. Which is useful given we don’t have another one. Plus, if Britain strengthens its renewable sectors, it could become a leader in the new energy economy.

The net zero choice is: Pain now, for pleasure later. Smart policy design will soften the blow - say domestic energy efficiency and lower industrial tariffs (as other countries). Leadership is crucial: communicating why we’re doing this. Otherwise the loonies get (more) traction.

Maybe it’s a simple: What we do now, we leave for tomorrow’s Britain.

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