chrisjardine.energy
@chrisjardineenergy.bsky.social
Dr Chris Jardine
Solar pioneer, renewables expert, energy educator
Honorary Research Associate at Oxford University
https://www.chrisjardine.energy/
Solar pioneer, renewables expert, energy educator
Honorary Research Associate at Oxford University
https://www.chrisjardine.energy/
There's a lot of talk about the growing energy demand for data centres. But could we use small distributed data centres in homes for heating?
That's the novel solution being trialled as part of UKPN's SHIELD project.
Would you swap your boiler for a server farm?
www.aol.com/articles/cou...
That's the novel solution being trialled as part of UKPN's SHIELD project.
Would you swap your boiler for a server farm?
www.aol.com/articles/cou...
Data centre in the shed reduces heat bills to £40
"It's fantastic because it's eco-friendly...We're not burning any gases," says Terrence Bridges.
www.aol.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:04 AM
There's a lot of talk about the growing energy demand for data centres. But could we use small distributed data centres in homes for heating?
That's the novel solution being trialled as part of UKPN's SHIELD project.
Would you swap your boiler for a server farm?
www.aol.com/articles/cou...
That's the novel solution being trialled as part of UKPN's SHIELD project.
Would you swap your boiler for a server farm?
www.aol.com/articles/cou...
Tesla is recalling over 10,000 Powerwall 2 units in the US due to overheating concerns and potential fire risk.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Tesla recalls 10,500 Powerwall 2 battery systems in US over fire risk
Firm had received 22 reports of overheating, raising risk of serious injury or death, though none have been reported
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Tesla is recalling over 10,000 Powerwall 2 units in the US due to overheating concerns and potential fire risk.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
This could have the potential to rewrite the record books for offshore wind power.
The current largest offshore turbine in commercial operation is the 15MW Siemens Gamesa.
Yet this double-headed monster of a floating turbine is being developed with a capacity of 50MW split between the 2 rotors. 😲
The current largest offshore turbine in commercial operation is the 15MW Siemens Gamesa.
Yet this double-headed monster of a floating turbine is being developed with a capacity of 50MW split between the 2 rotors. 😲
November 12, 2025 at 11:11 AM
This could have the potential to rewrite the record books for offshore wind power.
The current largest offshore turbine in commercial operation is the 15MW Siemens Gamesa.
Yet this double-headed monster of a floating turbine is being developed with a capacity of 50MW split between the 2 rotors. 😲
The current largest offshore turbine in commercial operation is the 15MW Siemens Gamesa.
Yet this double-headed monster of a floating turbine is being developed with a capacity of 50MW split between the 2 rotors. 😲
Here's a neat bit of solar innovation - vertically mounted floating solar panels. 😲
1.87 GW of panels have been installed in a gravel pit in Bavaria. The panels are vertical, and face east-west. The reason: to optimise generation in the morning and evening to access higher electricity prices.
1.87 GW of panels have been installed in a gravel pit in Bavaria. The panels are vertical, and face east-west. The reason: to optimise generation in the morning and evening to access higher electricity prices.
November 3, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Here's a neat bit of solar innovation - vertically mounted floating solar panels. 😲
1.87 GW of panels have been installed in a gravel pit in Bavaria. The panels are vertical, and face east-west. The reason: to optimise generation in the morning and evening to access higher electricity prices.
1.87 GW of panels have been installed in a gravel pit in Bavaria. The panels are vertical, and face east-west. The reason: to optimise generation in the morning and evening to access higher electricity prices.
Well, this isn't just disappointing ... it's shockingly bad 😡
Of the 23,000 homes that had external wall insulation fitted under the ECO and GBIS schemes, 98% of them are in need of repair.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Of the 23,000 homes that had external wall insulation fitted under the ECO and GBIS schemes, 98% of them are in need of repair.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Almost all external insulation fitted under Tory scheme needs repair or replacing, report finds
Homeowners who took advantage of government programmes left with cladding likely to cause damp
www.theguardian.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Well, this isn't just disappointing ... it's shockingly bad 😡
Of the 23,000 homes that had external wall insulation fitted under the ECO and GBIS schemes, 98% of them are in need of repair.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Of the 23,000 homes that had external wall insulation fitted under the ECO and GBIS schemes, 98% of them are in need of repair.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
A start-up called Reflect Orbital plans to launch thousands of satellites with mirrors to redirect sunlight to ground-mounted solar farms.
So, a genius way of extending the operating hours of solar plants? Or unnecessary technology meddling? 🤔
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
So, a genius way of extending the operating hours of solar plants? Or unnecessary technology meddling? 🤔
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
Plan to reflect sunlight to power solar panels at night upsets astronomers
The startup Reflect Orbital aims to keep solar farms running at night by reflecting sunlight from space and has sparked controversy among astronomers.
www.latimes.com
October 8, 2025 at 7:38 AM
A start-up called Reflect Orbital plans to launch thousands of satellites with mirrors to redirect sunlight to ground-mounted solar farms.
So, a genius way of extending the operating hours of solar plants? Or unnecessary technology meddling? 🤔
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
So, a genius way of extending the operating hours of solar plants? Or unnecessary technology meddling? 🤔
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
Wind turbine blades are difficult to recycle at end of life.
Europe is expected to produce 10,000 tonnes of turbine blade waste per year as sites are decommissioned or repowered.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Europe is expected to produce 10,000 tonnes of turbine blade waste per year as sites are decommissioned or repowered.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
The race to find a way to recycle old turbine blades from windfarms
Made from carbon fibre, they are difficult to break down, but in UK and elsewhere in Europe there are plans to tackle the waste
www.theguardian.com
September 22, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Wind turbine blades are difficult to recycle at end of life.
Europe is expected to produce 10,000 tonnes of turbine blade waste per year as sites are decommissioned or repowered.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Europe is expected to produce 10,000 tonnes of turbine blade waste per year as sites are decommissioned or repowered.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Solar panels? Made out of onions? 😲
Well, part of them anyway ... scientists have found that nanocellulose coupled with the dye from red onions providea a natural alternative to petrochemical-based UV filters on the surface of solar panels. 👍
www.popularmechanics.com/science/gree...
Well, part of them anyway ... scientists have found that nanocellulose coupled with the dye from red onions providea a natural alternative to petrochemical-based UV filters on the surface of solar panels. 👍
www.popularmechanics.com/science/gree...
Solar Power Isn’t as Green as You Think. Scientists Have a Weird Fix: Onions.
Ultraviolet rays actually break down components of solar panels over time, but red onion dye combined with nanocellulose creates a pretty effective filter.
www.popularmechanics.com
September 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Solar panels? Made out of onions? 😲
Well, part of them anyway ... scientists have found that nanocellulose coupled with the dye from red onions providea a natural alternative to petrochemical-based UV filters on the surface of solar panels. 👍
www.popularmechanics.com/science/gree...
Well, part of them anyway ... scientists have found that nanocellulose coupled with the dye from red onions providea a natural alternative to petrochemical-based UV filters on the surface of solar panels. 👍
www.popularmechanics.com/science/gree...
🎬 ICYMI ... my latest video looks at the Kaya Identity - an equation that splits carbon emissions into its 4 driving forces of lifestyles, energy efficiency, cleanliness of fuels and population.
👇 This, and all other episodes of Energy 101, can be viewed here 👇
www.chrisjardine.energy/energy-101
👇 This, and all other episodes of Energy 101, can be viewed here 👇
www.chrisjardine.energy/energy-101
Energy 101 — chrisjardine.energy
Energy 101 breaks down all you need to know about energy into bite sized Youtube videos.
www.chrisjardine.energy
August 14, 2025 at 7:12 AM
🎬 ICYMI ... my latest video looks at the Kaya Identity - an equation that splits carbon emissions into its 4 driving forces of lifestyles, energy efficiency, cleanliness of fuels and population.
👇 This, and all other episodes of Energy 101, can be viewed here 👇
www.chrisjardine.energy/energy-101
👇 This, and all other episodes of Energy 101, can be viewed here 👇
www.chrisjardine.energy/energy-101
🎬This is the film I've always wanted to make 🎬
The Kaya Identity is one of the most important insights in the study of energy and climate. It breaks down carbon emissions into 4 different factors: lifestyles, energy efficiency, carbon intensity and population.
youtu.be/6XN6Inie6Rw
The Kaya Identity is one of the most important insights in the study of energy and climate. It breaks down carbon emissions into 4 different factors: lifestyles, energy efficiency, carbon intensity and population.
youtu.be/6XN6Inie6Rw
The Kaya Identity: the equation that helps solve climate change | Energy 101 Ep3
YouTube video by chrisjardine.energy
youtu.be
August 5, 2025 at 12:32 PM
🎬This is the film I've always wanted to make 🎬
The Kaya Identity is one of the most important insights in the study of energy and climate. It breaks down carbon emissions into 4 different factors: lifestyles, energy efficiency, carbon intensity and population.
youtu.be/6XN6Inie6Rw
The Kaya Identity is one of the most important insights in the study of energy and climate. It breaks down carbon emissions into 4 different factors: lifestyles, energy efficiency, carbon intensity and population.
youtu.be/6XN6Inie6Rw
"Sunlight is everywhere — it falls on the earth in almost unimaginable quantities, bathing us in a steady supply of energy that far exceeds anything we could ever conspire to actually use" ☀️ ☀️
www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Solar Is Liberation
Solar is the only scalable way to slow down the climate crisis — and it will free us from the power of billionaires too.
www.rollingstone.com
July 31, 2025 at 7:25 AM
"Sunlight is everywhere — it falls on the earth in almost unimaginable quantities, bathing us in a steady supply of energy that far exceeds anything we could ever conspire to actually use" ☀️ ☀️
www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
🤔 Can we stop talking about range anxiety now?
Another 17,000 public EV chargepoints have been installed in the UK in the last year. That's about 300 new chargepoints added per county ...
www.evinfrastructurenews.com/public-charg...
Another 17,000 public EV chargepoints have been installed in the UK in the last year. That's about 300 new chargepoints added per county ...
www.evinfrastructurenews.com/public-charg...
UK EV chargepoints grow 27% year on year
New data from the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed that over 17,000 public EV chargers have been installed across the country in the past year.
www.evinfrastructurenews.com
July 29, 2025 at 7:07 AM
🤔 Can we stop talking about range anxiety now?
Another 17,000 public EV chargepoints have been installed in the UK in the last year. That's about 300 new chargepoints added per county ...
www.evinfrastructurenews.com/public-charg...
Another 17,000 public EV chargepoints have been installed in the UK in the last year. That's about 300 new chargepoints added per county ...
www.evinfrastructurenews.com/public-charg...
🤔 Have CO2 emissions in China peaked?
Amidst a massive rollout of renewable generation, CO2 emissions in China have plateaued, if not decreased slightly, even against a backdrop of continued economic growth.
Amidst a massive rollout of renewable generation, CO2 emissions in China have plateaued, if not decreased slightly, even against a backdrop of continued economic growth.
July 28, 2025 at 6:48 AM
🤔 Have CO2 emissions in China peaked?
Amidst a massive rollout of renewable generation, CO2 emissions in China have plateaued, if not decreased slightly, even against a backdrop of continued economic growth.
Amidst a massive rollout of renewable generation, CO2 emissions in China have plateaued, if not decreased slightly, even against a backdrop of continued economic growth.
When looking at the energy transition, wind and solar get all the attention, but what about other renewables? 🤔
All renewables - PV, CSP, onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal - are generating at a cost of less than $.10/kWh. That's lower than 91% of fossil fuel projects. 💪
All renewables - PV, CSP, onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal - are generating at a cost of less than $.10/kWh. That's lower than 91% of fossil fuel projects. 💪
July 23, 2025 at 6:50 AM
When looking at the energy transition, wind and solar get all the attention, but what about other renewables? 🤔
All renewables - PV, CSP, onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal - are generating at a cost of less than $.10/kWh. That's lower than 91% of fossil fuel projects. 💪
All renewables - PV, CSP, onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal - are generating at a cost of less than $.10/kWh. That's lower than 91% of fossil fuel projects. 💪
If you thought China's 3 Gorges dam was big, then check this - plans for the largest power station in the world at the Inga Falls in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It's a massive 70GW 😮 By comparison, peak demand in the UK is about 50GW.
www.newsweek.com/worlds-large...
It's a massive 70GW 😮 By comparison, peak demand in the UK is about 50GW.
www.newsweek.com/worlds-large...
World's largest power station could provide energy for half of US homes
The Grand Inga Dam in the Democratic Republic of Congo has a maximum capacity of 70 gigawatts.
www.newsweek.com
July 21, 2025 at 6:57 AM
If you thought China's 3 Gorges dam was big, then check this - plans for the largest power station in the world at the Inga Falls in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It's a massive 70GW 😮 By comparison, peak demand in the UK is about 50GW.
www.newsweek.com/worlds-large...
It's a massive 70GW 😮 By comparison, peak demand in the UK is about 50GW.
www.newsweek.com/worlds-large...
🎬NEW VIDEO ALERT 🎬 In this second episode of the #Energy101 series, I look at the key concept of energy services.
youtu.be/n1lZimZVPvc
youtu.be/n1lZimZVPvc
Energy services explained: the hidden reason why we really use energy | Energy 101 Ep2
YouTube video by chrisjardine.energy
youtu.be
July 14, 2025 at 6:56 AM
🎬NEW VIDEO ALERT 🎬 In this second episode of the #Energy101 series, I look at the key concept of energy services.
youtu.be/n1lZimZVPvc
youtu.be/n1lZimZVPvc
🏆 BIG MILESTONE 🏆 Solar was the largest source of electricity in the EU in June - the first time it's topped the monthly charts.
Coal is at a low of just 6.1%, and fossil fuel generation is just 23.6%.
More great analysis from Ember, as always.
ember-energy.org/latest-insig...
Coal is at a low of just 6.1%, and fossil fuel generation is just 23.6%.
More great analysis from Ember, as always.
ember-energy.org/latest-insig...
July 10, 2025 at 7:08 AM
🏆 BIG MILESTONE 🏆 Solar was the largest source of electricity in the EU in June - the first time it's topped the monthly charts.
Coal is at a low of just 6.1%, and fossil fuel generation is just 23.6%.
More great analysis from Ember, as always.
ember-energy.org/latest-insig...
Coal is at a low of just 6.1%, and fossil fuel generation is just 23.6%.
More great analysis from Ember, as always.
ember-energy.org/latest-insig...
Balcony solar has been big in Germany for a while, and it seems Ed Miliband is keen for the UK to follow suit.
I've been pretty sceptical about balcony solar ... poor solar resource when vertical, easily shaded, and concerns over the safety of DIY installations.
www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
I've been pretty sceptical about balcony solar ... poor solar resource when vertical, easily shaded, and concerns over the safety of DIY installations.
www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
MSN
www.msn.com
July 8, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Balcony solar has been big in Germany for a while, and it seems Ed Miliband is keen for the UK to follow suit.
I've been pretty sceptical about balcony solar ... poor solar resource when vertical, easily shaded, and concerns over the safety of DIY installations.
www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
I've been pretty sceptical about balcony solar ... poor solar resource when vertical, easily shaded, and concerns over the safety of DIY installations.
www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
Solar rice, anyone? 🌾 🍚
This agrivoltaic trial in Japan has been testing the use of vertical panels in a rice paddy.
The E/W panels produce more electricity in the morning and evening peak, and the overall rice yield was only 5% down.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
This agrivoltaic trial in Japan has been testing the use of vertical panels in a rice paddy.
The E/W panels produce more electricity in the morning and evening peak, and the overall rice yield was only 5% down.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Vertical solar panels set to alter the look of Japan’s farmland | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
ASHIKAGA, Tochigi Prefecture--Vertical solar panels, while now a rare sight on farmland in Japan, in this case a rice paddy, look set to transform the nation’s landscape in years to come.
www.asahi.com
July 7, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Solar rice, anyone? 🌾 🍚
This agrivoltaic trial in Japan has been testing the use of vertical panels in a rice paddy.
The E/W panels produce more electricity in the morning and evening peak, and the overall rice yield was only 5% down.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
This agrivoltaic trial in Japan has been testing the use of vertical panels in a rice paddy.
The E/W panels produce more electricity in the morning and evening peak, and the overall rice yield was only 5% down.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
🔔🔔Very excited to share that I'm launching a brand new Youtube series - Energy 101. 😊
I'll be sharing key concepts about energy and the energy transition as a series of bite-sized videos over the coming months.
Episode 1 - What is Energy is out now 👇
youtu.be/wnVnYCuuqL0
I'll be sharing key concepts about energy and the energy transition as a series of bite-sized videos over the coming months.
Episode 1 - What is Energy is out now 👇
youtu.be/wnVnYCuuqL0
What is energy, and why is it important to society? | Energy 101, Episode 1
YouTube video by chrisjardine.energy
youtu.be
June 27, 2025 at 7:15 AM
🔔🔔Very excited to share that I'm launching a brand new Youtube series - Energy 101. 😊
I'll be sharing key concepts about energy and the energy transition as a series of bite-sized videos over the coming months.
Episode 1 - What is Energy is out now 👇
youtu.be/wnVnYCuuqL0
I'll be sharing key concepts about energy and the energy transition as a series of bite-sized videos over the coming months.
Episode 1 - What is Energy is out now 👇
youtu.be/wnVnYCuuqL0
The direction of travel is clear - the future's electric ⚡
Sales of electric vehicles have doubled in the last 2 years, and heat pumps are up 50% over the last year.
Couple this with the incredibly low carbon electricity we now have in the UK, and the benefits are clear.
Sales of electric vehicles have doubled in the last 2 years, and heat pumps are up 50% over the last year.
Couple this with the incredibly low carbon electricity we now have in the UK, and the benefits are clear.
June 26, 2025 at 6:59 AM
The direction of travel is clear - the future's electric ⚡
Sales of electric vehicles have doubled in the last 2 years, and heat pumps are up 50% over the last year.
Couple this with the incredibly low carbon electricity we now have in the UK, and the benefits are clear.
Sales of electric vehicles have doubled in the last 2 years, and heat pumps are up 50% over the last year.
Couple this with the incredibly low carbon electricity we now have in the UK, and the benefits are clear.
MAJOR MILESTONE 🏆 China's installed capacity of solar has now reached 1TW☀️
It's an astonishing achievement, and seemingly accelerating. 92GW were commissioned in May 2025 alone 😮 By contrast, total UK solar capacity is just over 20GW.
Just amazing.
www.pv-magazine.com/2025/06/23/c...
It's an astonishing achievement, and seemingly accelerating. 92GW were commissioned in May 2025 alone 😮 By contrast, total UK solar capacity is just over 20GW.
Just amazing.
www.pv-magazine.com/2025/06/23/c...
China hits 1 TW solar milestone
China’s solar power capacity has surpassed 1 TW, marking a historic milestone as the country accelerates its energy transition. Around 92 GW of new PV systems were installed in China in May alone, but...
www.pv-magazine.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:23 AM
MAJOR MILESTONE 🏆 China's installed capacity of solar has now reached 1TW☀️
It's an astonishing achievement, and seemingly accelerating. 92GW were commissioned in May 2025 alone 😮 By contrast, total UK solar capacity is just over 20GW.
Just amazing.
www.pv-magazine.com/2025/06/23/c...
It's an astonishing achievement, and seemingly accelerating. 92GW were commissioned in May 2025 alone 😮 By contrast, total UK solar capacity is just over 20GW.
Just amazing.
www.pv-magazine.com/2025/06/23/c...
This is the Oxford Eco-house, and I was blessed to have been invited to its 30-year anniversary last week.
It's an icon of solar design in the UK, and it still looks razor sharp 3 decades on. Of the millions of solar roofs installed since, I'd still struggle to name one with better aesthetics 😍
It's an icon of solar design in the UK, and it still looks razor sharp 3 decades on. Of the millions of solar roofs installed since, I'd still struggle to name one with better aesthetics 😍
June 23, 2025 at 6:54 AM
This is the Oxford Eco-house, and I was blessed to have been invited to its 30-year anniversary last week.
It's an icon of solar design in the UK, and it still looks razor sharp 3 decades on. Of the millions of solar roofs installed since, I'd still struggle to name one with better aesthetics 😍
It's an icon of solar design in the UK, and it still looks razor sharp 3 decades on. Of the millions of solar roofs installed since, I'd still struggle to name one with better aesthetics 😍
Agrivoltaics isn't just solar farms ....in India a quiet revolution is taking place at a much smaller scale ☀️
Dubbed micro-agrivoltaics, small farmers have started to install solar water pumps, but continue to grow crops underneath them.
www.iisd.org/articles/ins...
Dubbed micro-agrivoltaics, small farmers have started to install solar water pumps, but continue to grow crops underneath them.
www.iisd.org/articles/ins...
Micro-Agrivoltaics: Hiding in plain sight
As India explores the promise of agrivoltaics, small and marginal farmers are cultivating crops beneath solar panels without formal support or mainstream recognition.
www.iisd.org
June 19, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Agrivoltaics isn't just solar farms ....in India a quiet revolution is taking place at a much smaller scale ☀️
Dubbed micro-agrivoltaics, small farmers have started to install solar water pumps, but continue to grow crops underneath them.
www.iisd.org/articles/ins...
Dubbed micro-agrivoltaics, small farmers have started to install solar water pumps, but continue to grow crops underneath them.
www.iisd.org/articles/ins...
NEW WORLD RECORD 🏆
Solar panel manufacturer Longi have launched a new product - a 700W module with 25.9% efficiency 😮
Incredible to see the 25% mark broken for a commercially available panel (and by some distance too).
www.pv-tech.org/longi-launch...
Solar panel manufacturer Longi have launched a new product - a 700W module with 25.9% efficiency 😮
Incredible to see the 25% mark broken for a commercially available panel (and by some distance too).
www.pv-tech.org/longi-launch...
LONGi launches 700W+ HIBC module at SNEC 2025
Chinese solar manufacturer LONGi has launched a new Hybrid Interdigitated Back-Contact module during SNEC 2025, held in Shanghai, China.
www.pv-tech.org
June 18, 2025 at 9:39 AM
NEW WORLD RECORD 🏆
Solar panel manufacturer Longi have launched a new product - a 700W module with 25.9% efficiency 😮
Incredible to see the 25% mark broken for a commercially available panel (and by some distance too).
www.pv-tech.org/longi-launch...
Solar panel manufacturer Longi have launched a new product - a 700W module with 25.9% efficiency 😮
Incredible to see the 25% mark broken for a commercially available panel (and by some distance too).
www.pv-tech.org/longi-launch...