Tim De Chant
@dechant.bsky.social
Climate reporter at TechCrunch, lecturer at MIT. Previously at KSJ@MIT, NOVA, and Chicago Tribune. https://de-chant.com/tim
Pinned
Tim De Chant
@dechant.bsky.social
· Nov 13
Future Proof – Lower your carbon footprint, not your standards
Future Proof helps you lower your carbon footprint by reviewing products and recommending only the best, most eco-friendly ones available.
www.futureproofreviews.com
Hello Bluesky people! If you're new here, I cover all things climate tech for @techcrunch.com, from fusion power to heat pumps, carbon removal to carbon-negative concrete.
My current work: techcrunch.com/author/tim-d...
My (on hiatus but soon to be revived) newsletter: www.futureproofreviews.com
My current work: techcrunch.com/author/tim-d...
My (on hiatus but soon to be revived) newsletter: www.futureproofreviews.com
Hell hath frozen over? techcrunch.com/2025/11/13/t...
Tesla might finally bring CarPlay to its EVs | TechCrunch
The addition of CarPlay would mark a significant change for Tesla, which has so far shunned phone mirroring in its vehicles.
techcrunch.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Hell hath frozen over? techcrunch.com/2025/11/13/t...
Exowatt thinks it has a way to make concentrated solar power not just profitable, but one of the lowest cost sources of 24/7 power available. The startup wasn't looking for more money, but data center fever meant that investors came knocking anyway. techcrunch.com/2025/11/13/s...
Exclusive: Sam Atlman-backed Exowatt wants to power AI data centers with billions of hot rocks | TechCrunch
The solar-thermal startup wants to deliver electricity for as little as one cent per kWh. But first it has to scale production to 1 million units per year.
techcrunch.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Exowatt thinks it has a way to make concentrated solar power not just profitable, but one of the lowest cost sources of 24/7 power available. The startup wasn't looking for more money, but data center fever meant that investors came knocking anyway. techcrunch.com/2025/11/13/s...
In a sign of the times, data centers will attract more investment this year than new oil supplies. And over the next decade, the majority of power for new data centers will come from renewables, not natural gas. techcrunch.com/2025/11/12/d...
Data centers now attract more investment than than finding new oil supplies | TechCrunch
In a shift, the world will spend $40 billion more on new data centers this year than it will on finding new sources of oil.
techcrunch.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:49 PM
In a sign of the times, data centers will attract more investment this year than new oil supplies. And over the next decade, the majority of power for new data centers will come from renewables, not natural gas. techcrunch.com/2025/11/12/d...
As households around the world struggle with rising energy costs, Australia will give millions of people free electricity for 3 hours every day starting next year, all thanks to cheap solar power. techcrunch.com/2025/11/05/m...
Millions to receive free electricity in 2026 thanks to Australia’s solar boom | TechCrunch
Australia now has so much solar power that the government will require utilities to sell customers free electricity for three hours per day.
techcrunch.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:11 PM
As households around the world struggle with rising energy costs, Australia will give millions of people free electricity for 3 hours every day starting next year, all thanks to cheap solar power. techcrunch.com/2025/11/05/m...
How much power will AI need? Even these guys don't know! techcrunch.com/2025/11/03/a...
Altman and Nadella need more power for AI, but they’re not sure how much | TechCrunch
The CEOs of OpenAI and Microsoft are betting that AI will continue to consume more electricity, but they're not sure how much. That could leave some investors holding the bag.
techcrunch.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:45 PM
How much power will AI need? Even these guys don't know! techcrunch.com/2025/11/03/a...
Plenty of people fear AI is coming for their jobs. Now, they're worried about how it's affecting their utility bills. A backlash might be brewing. techcrunch.com/2025/11/01/r...
Rising energy prices put AI and data centers in the crosshairs | TechCrunch
A majority of consumers say they’re worried about data centers driving up electricity costs. Is the industry prepared for a possible backlash?
techcrunch.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Plenty of people fear AI is coming for their jobs. Now, they're worried about how it's affecting their utility bills. A backlash might be brewing. techcrunch.com/2025/11/01/r...
What if Americans' dislike of trains stems from the fact that robber barons built and ran the first ones here? Maybe we're not skeptical of government projects — which also build highways — but instead harbor a distrust of wealthy profiteers, one that is etched in our national consciousness.
October 24, 2025 at 5:09 PM
What if Americans' dislike of trains stems from the fact that robber barons built and ran the first ones here? Maybe we're not skeptical of government projects — which also build highways — but instead harbor a distrust of wealthy profiteers, one that is etched in our national consciousness.
Arbor was built on the idea that burning biomass could benefit the grid and remove carbon. But over the last year, it has turned its self-described "vegetarian rocket engine" into an omnivore capable of burning natural gas and capturing the carbon. techcrunch.com/2025/10/24/a...
Arbor’s ‘vegetarian rocket engine’ power plant is actually an omnivore | TechCrunch
As demand for electricity from data centers grows, Arbor Energy has made its power plant capable of burning natural gas in addition to biomass.
techcrunch.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Arbor was built on the idea that burning biomass could benefit the grid and remove carbon. But over the last year, it has turned its self-described "vegetarian rocket engine" into an omnivore capable of burning natural gas and capturing the carbon. techcrunch.com/2025/10/24/a...
Google will build a natural gas power plant and capturing the CO2 emissions. Sounds good, right? One hitch: carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) hasn't exactly lived up to expectations, and that's before we start talking about methane. techcrunch.com/2025/10/23/g...
Google’s bets on carbon capture power plants, which have a mixed record | TechCrunch
Google intends to use electricity from the 400-MW power plant in Decatur, Illinois, to operate nearby data centers. Carbon capture will eliminate some of the plants emissions, but how much remains to ...
techcrunch.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Google will build a natural gas power plant and capturing the CO2 emissions. Sounds good, right? One hitch: carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) hasn't exactly lived up to expectations, and that's before we start talking about methane. techcrunch.com/2025/10/23/g...
To store electricity for less $$$, one entrepreneur is looking out to sea. techcrunch.com/2025/10/22/o...
Exclusive: One startup’s quest to store electricity in the ocean | TechCrunch
Sizable Energy has a plan to store excess renewable energy in flexible reservoirs out at sea. The startup has raised $8 million to test prototypes.
techcrunch.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
To store electricity for less $$$, one entrepreneur is looking out to sea. techcrunch.com/2025/10/22/o...
The DOE has confirmed that it is canceling $720 million worth of contracts that support American manufacturing. techcrunch.com/2025/10/20/t...
Trump DOE confirms it’s canceling over $700M in manufacturing grants | TechCrunch
The Department of Energy said it was canceling grants to build new factories in places like Alabama and Kentucky. Three startups are affected.
techcrunch.com
October 20, 2025 at 6:48 PM
The DOE has confirmed that it is canceling $720 million worth of contracts that support American manufacturing. techcrunch.com/2025/10/20/t...
Google is working with Commonwealth Fusion Systems again, though not in the way you might think. The tech company's DeepMind division is providing its AI tools to help the fusion startup maximize power from its forthcoming reactor. techcrunch.com/2025/10/16/t...
The real reason Google DeepMind is working with a fusion energy startup | TechCrunch
Google has invested in fusion startups as potential power suppliers. This latest move suggests Google sees them as potential customers, too.
techcrunch.com
October 16, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Google is working with Commonwealth Fusion Systems again, though not in the way you might think. The tech company's DeepMind division is providing its AI tools to help the fusion startup maximize power from its forthcoming reactor. techcrunch.com/2025/10/16/t...
When EV demand was ramping up, I remember a lot of people wringing their hands about how the grid would cope with the extra load, saying we'd need to slow their adoption. But with the growth of AI data centers, that caution has all but evaporated.
October 16, 2025 at 12:24 PM
When EV demand was ramping up, I remember a lot of people wringing their hands about how the grid would cope with the extra load, saying we'd need to slow their adoption. But with the growth of AI data centers, that caution has all but evaporated.
It sounds like sci-fi, and while experts debate exactly how it happens, acoustic energy tuned to the right frequencies can extinguish a flame dozens of feet away. One startup thinks its infrasound generators could protect homes from wildfires. techcrunch.com/2025/10/14/i...
Exclusive: Inaudible sound might be the next frontier in wildfire defense | TechCrunch
Sonic Fire Tech has developed a device that can extinguish flames using acoustic energy below the range of human hearing. The startup is building a demo capable of protecting a home.
techcrunch.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:12 PM
It sounds like sci-fi, and while experts debate exactly how it happens, acoustic energy tuned to the right frequencies can extinguish a flame dozens of feet away. One startup thinks its infrasound generators could protect homes from wildfires. techcrunch.com/2025/10/14/i...
Climate tech has been taking it on the chin… or has it? Despite headlines, investors aren't shying away from it. techcrunch.com/2025/10/10/i...
Investors are betting $21 billion that the energy transition isn’t going away | TechCrunch
Political shifts might have set back the energy transition, but large investors are betting that renewables are at the future of energy.
techcrunch.com
October 10, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Climate tech has been taking it on the chin… or has it? Despite headlines, investors aren't shying away from it. techcrunch.com/2025/10/10/i...
Anyone who has driven or walked under a concrete bridge knows how problematic rust can be. But one startup thinks a paper-thin stainless steel is all we need to extend a bridge's lifespan from 30 to 100 years. techcrunch.com/2025/10/07/o...
Exclusive: One startup’s paper-thin stainless steel could change how bridges are built | TechCrunch
By coating regular rebar with a thin layer of stainless steel, Allium Engineering could reduce the amount of concrete needed to build a bridge while also prolonging its life.
techcrunch.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Anyone who has driven or walked under a concrete bridge knows how problematic rust can be. But one startup thinks a paper-thin stainless steel is all we need to extend a bridge's lifespan from 30 to 100 years. techcrunch.com/2025/10/07/o...
Scoop! The Trump administration is proposing cutting over $500 million worth of grants to more than a dozen startups, according to my analysis of a newly leaked document. techcrunch.com/2025/10/07/t...
Exclusive: Trump's DOE proposes cutting billions in grants for GM, Ford, and lots of startups | TechCrunch
Trump's Department of Energy wants to cancel billions more in awards that were granted by the Biden administration, and startups are in the crosshairs.
techcrunch.com
October 7, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Scoop! The Trump administration is proposing cutting over $500 million worth of grants to more than a dozen startups, according to my analysis of a newly leaked document. techcrunch.com/2025/10/07/t...
The DOE has refused to release a list of cancelled awards, but I obtained a copy and dove into the numbers. Here's what they revealed. techcrunch.com/2025/10/03/l...
Leaked doc reveals the chaotic politics behind Trump Energy Department cuts | TechCrunch
Harris-voting states were hit hardest by Department of Energy award cancellations, but not every blue-state project was cut. Politics might play a role.
techcrunch.com
October 3, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The DOE has refused to release a list of cancelled awards, but I obtained a copy and dove into the numbers. Here's what they revealed. techcrunch.com/2025/10/03/l...
Cheaper LFP batteries pushing down the cost of EVs, but one US startup has a technology that could drive prices even lower, all while breaking the world's dependency on China for cathode materials. techcrunch.com/2025/10/01/e...
Exclusive: Electroflow promises to make LFP material for 40% less than Chinese producers | TechCrunch
Electroflow drew inspiration from batteries themselves to develop a new way of producing LFP material for EVs. The process could undercut today's lowest price sources in China.
techcrunch.com
October 1, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Cheaper LFP batteries pushing down the cost of EVs, but one US startup has a technology that could drive prices even lower, all while breaking the world's dependency on China for cathode materials. techcrunch.com/2025/10/01/e...
The Trump administration is now forbidding Department of Energy staffers from using terms like "green," "climate change," and even "tax credits." techcrunch.com/2025/09/29/t...
Trump's Energy Department forbids staff from saying ‘climate change’ or ‘green’ | TechCrunch
A Trump appointee emailed Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy employees last week with a long list of banned words.
techcrunch.com
September 29, 2025 at 6:34 PM
The Trump administration is now forbidding Department of Energy staffers from using terms like "green," "climate change," and even "tax credits." techcrunch.com/2025/09/29/t...
AI will have plenty of opportunity to drive us apart, but one startup thinks it has the potential to bring us together by helping people to find common ground. And they're starting with climate negotiations. techcrunch.com/2025/09/29/c...
Exclusive: ComplexChaos thinks AI can help people find common ground | TechCrunch
The startup uses an LLM tailored to helping people arrive at a consensus. Is it enough to help bridge our differences?
techcrunch.com
September 29, 2025 at 6:31 PM
AI will have plenty of opportunity to drive us apart, but one startup thinks it has the potential to bring us together by helping people to find common ground. And they're starting with climate negotiations. techcrunch.com/2025/09/29/c...
Last year, mobile battery startup Moxion went bust pretty spectacularly. Now, one of its founders is back with a new startup, Anode, to "finish what we started," he told me. techcrunch.com/2025/09/26/b...
Exclusive: Battery startup Moxion went bankrupt. Now its founder is back to ‘finish what we started’ | TechCrunch
Anode Technology Company wants to build mobile battery generators for construction sites, live events, and EV fleets. But first it has to avoid the pitfalls that claimed its predecessor, Moxion.
techcrunch.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Last year, mobile battery startup Moxion went bust pretty spectacularly. Now, one of its founders is back with a new startup, Anode, to "finish what we started," he told me. techcrunch.com/2025/09/26/b...
The Trump administration wants a 10% stake in Lithium Americas, and it's asking GM to guarantee the purchase of enough lithium carbonate for 1.6 million EVs — even as the government works to undermine automakers' transition to EVs. techcrunch.com/2025/09/24/t...
Trump admin wants 10% stake in American lithium miner that sells to GM | TechCrunch
Lithium Americas asked for a small change to the loan repayment period, which spurred the latest Trump administration request for equity.
techcrunch.com
September 24, 2025 at 7:36 PM
The Trump administration wants a 10% stake in Lithium Americas, and it's asking GM to guarantee the purchase of enough lithium carbonate for 1.6 million EVs — even as the government works to undermine automakers' transition to EVs. techcrunch.com/2025/09/24/t...
Fine articulate pollution (PM2.5) is one of the biggest causes of death worldwide, but it doesn't get much attention. So Al Gore and Climate Trace put together a tool to help people see what can't be seen, but is very much impacting their health. techcrunch.com/2025/09/24/h...
How Al Gore used AI to track 660M polluters | TechCrunch
A new tool from Climate Trace allows people to track the path of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which causes as many as 10 million deaths annually.
techcrunch.com
September 24, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Fine articulate pollution (PM2.5) is one of the biggest causes of death worldwide, but it doesn't get much attention. So Al Gore and Climate Trace put together a tool to help people see what can't be seen, but is very much impacting their health. techcrunch.com/2025/09/24/h...
U.S. battery materials startup Sila just started production at their factory in Moses Lake, Washington. Soon, it'll be pumping out enough silicon anode material for tens of thousands of EVs — and soon millions more. techcrunch.com/2025/09/23/s...
Sila opens US factory to make silicon anodes for energy-dense EV batteries | TechCrunch
Sila has been building the facility on Moses Lake, Washington, for nearly two years. Now, it's poised to start volume production.
techcrunch.com
September 23, 2025 at 7:35 PM
U.S. battery materials startup Sila just started production at their factory in Moses Lake, Washington. Soon, it'll be pumping out enough silicon anode material for tens of thousands of EVs — and soon millions more. techcrunch.com/2025/09/23/s...