Paul Boldrin
@paulboldrin.bsky.social
Everything that can be electrified will be electrified. Electrochemist at Ironic Metals Ltd - developing low carbon iron production. Post about science, climate, London, cycling, kids, Spurs and politics.
Pinned
Paul Boldrin
@paulboldrin.bsky.social
· Dec 8
Ironic
www.ironicmetals.com
Got a new job! Finally escaped from the ivory towers to work in a startup on low carbon metals production - specifically low temperature alkaline electrolysis of oxides. So I've escaped from hydrogen as well! Still based at Imperial for the time being - they can't get rid of me that easily.
Potential concept for newly nationalised UK railways - offer an option of paying money for trains turning up on time. While it was nice getting a free trip to Glasgow this week, I probably would've been willing to pay some money for the option of getting home before midnight.
February 19, 2026 at 8:44 AM
Potential concept for newly nationalised UK railways - offer an option of paying money for trains turning up on time. While it was nice getting a free trip to Glasgow this week, I probably would've been willing to pay some money for the option of getting home before midnight.
Really good interview with the head of UK's clean power 2030 mission. No turning back!
NEW – Chris Stark: The economics of clean energy ‘just get better and better’ | @drsimevans.carbonbrief.org @chrisstark.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/5MhSfXQ
Read here: buff.ly/5MhSfXQ
Chris Stark: The economics of clean energy ‘just get better and better’ - Carbon Brief
Chris Stark is head of the UK government’s “mission” to deliver clean power by 2030
buff.ly
February 17, 2026 at 11:08 PM
Really good interview with the head of UK's clean power 2030 mission. No turning back!
Two interesting facts here:
Labour have contracted more renewables in a year and a half than the Tories and Lib Dems did in 14 years and;
The amount contracted this year should reduce LNG imports (eg from the middle east and US) by three quarters.
Labour have contracted more renewables in a year and a half than the Tories and Lib Dems did in 14 years and;
The amount contracted this year should reduce LNG imports (eg from the middle east and US) by three quarters.
NEW: UK's "AR7" renewable auction was the biggest ever – more than 50% larger than 2024's record
AR7 = enough electricity to offset 3/4 of UK LNG imports
Labour's AR6+AR7, combined, contracted more GW than all other rounds put together
More: www.carbonbrief.org/...
AR7 = enough electricity to offset 3/4 of UK LNG imports
Labour's AR6+AR7, combined, contracted more GW than all other rounds put together
More: www.carbonbrief.org/...
February 11, 2026 at 7:27 PM
Two interesting facts here:
Labour have contracted more renewables in a year and a half than the Tories and Lib Dems did in 14 years and;
The amount contracted this year should reduce LNG imports (eg from the middle east and US) by three quarters.
Labour have contracted more renewables in a year and a half than the Tories and Lib Dems did in 14 years and;
The amount contracted this year should reduce LNG imports (eg from the middle east and US) by three quarters.
This is absolutely the number one issue that needs a reset. The vast majority of the Labour Party and wider left of centre voters can support or live with most of the rest of Labour's program but the position on immigration is toxic.
If Starmer wants a reset - and not yet another U-turn when the parliamentary party balks at a policy - here is his chance.
300,000 children face 10-year wait for settled status under UK plans, says IPPR
The consultation closes on Thursday. What is being proposed is dreadful. Can I encourage you to engage with the consultation and put your dissent on record?
The consultation closes on Thursday. What is being proposed is dreadful. Can I encourage you to engage with the consultation and put your dissent on record?
February 10, 2026 at 9:52 AM
This is absolutely the number one issue that needs a reset. The vast majority of the Labour Party and wider left of centre voters can support or live with most of the rest of Labour's program but the position on immigration is toxic.
More good UK clean energy news - record breaking offshore wind and solar auctions, big restart for onshore wind after the previous government banned it, solar continues to fall in price, onshore wind price stable. Still on track for 95% clean energy by 2030.
AR7 delivers record UK solar and onshore wind capacity
The UK government has secured record levels of solar and onshore wind in the latest Contracts for Difference auction.
www.energyvoice.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:58 AM
More good UK clean energy news - record breaking offshore wind and solar auctions, big restart for onshore wind after the previous government banned it, solar continues to fall in price, onshore wind price stable. Still on track for 95% clean energy by 2030.
Post a banger not in English
February 9, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Post a banger not in English
Another study showing cycling is good for your mental health and cognitive function. Interesting in this one though that e-bike users do even better on some metrics than users of unassisted bikes.
STUDY: “The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of an outdoor cycling intervention on cognitive function and mental health and well-being in older adults.”
The effect of cycling on cognitive function and well-being in older adults
It has been demonstrated that, on their own, both exercise and stimulation from the environment can improve cognitive function and well-being in older adults. The combined effect of exercising in the ...
journals.plos.org
February 9, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Another study showing cycling is good for your mental health and cognitive function. Interesting in this one though that e-bike users do even better on some metrics than users of unassisted bikes.
People say it's the greatest sporting event in the world, but is that just superbole? #superbowl
February 8, 2026 at 9:52 PM
People say it's the greatest sporting event in the world, but is that just superbole? #superbowl
I think the winter Olympics are my favourite Olympics just because at least half the sports are completely crazy. Extreme cold must do something to the human brain to make them invent competitive ice hurtling games.
February 8, 2026 at 6:07 PM
I think the winter Olympics are my favourite Olympics just because at least half the sports are completely crazy. Extreme cold must do something to the human brain to make them invent competitive ice hurtling games.
Good evidence that Starmer and Reeves' plan for the economy is starting to work:
February 7, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Good evidence that Starmer and Reeves' plan for the economy is starting to work:
It's good that they're doing this because his name was in danger of being lost to time. There are 3 year olds who can barely remember his name. Now parents from all round the world will be able to take their toddlers to Washington to teach them about Columbus with the aid of a giant gold statue.
He was arrested by the Inquisition-era Spanish for crimes against humanity and mismanaging the New World territories
February 6, 2026 at 11:06 PM
It's good that they're doing this because his name was in danger of being lost to time. There are 3 year olds who can barely remember his name. Now parents from all round the world will be able to take their toddlers to Washington to teach them about Columbus with the aid of a giant gold statue.
Reposted by Paul Boldrin
An estimate from one London borough found that one ZipCar can replace twenty private cars.
Shared cars > Overview and benefits share.google/qoeDV5JvTOhx...
Shared cars > Overview and benefits share.google/qoeDV5JvTOhx...
February 6, 2026 at 7:40 PM
An estimate from one London borough found that one ZipCar can replace twenty private cars.
Shared cars > Overview and benefits share.google/qoeDV5JvTOhx...
Shared cars > Overview and benefits share.google/qoeDV5JvTOhx...
Good article on car clubs. I ditched my car because of Zipcar as I'm sure did many other people so boroughs need to get a grip on this otherwise they're going to end up with more traffic and more pollution.
I've started a Substack! In my latest article, I summarise the results of a roundtable on the recent exit of Zipcar from the UK and the future of car clubs in London. ZipCar's highlighted a blindspot and was a pivotal learning moment for London.
open.substack.com/pub/plaistov...
open.substack.com/pub/plaistov...
Car clubs in London: a tipping point moment
Last week I joined a London roundtable with CoMoUK, car club operators (Enterprise, HiyaCar, Co-Wheels), Clean Cities Campaign and borough officers. The message was strikingly consistent:
open.substack.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Good article on car clubs. I ditched my car because of Zipcar as I'm sure did many other people so boroughs need to get a grip on this otherwise they're going to end up with more traffic and more pollution.
Good summary of probably the strongest part of the Labour government's program so far, the progress on decarbonisation and clean energy really is excellent:
If you are interested in the full range of things Labour are doing with clean energy and ending our reliance on fossil fuels, then I have put together this article listing their successes to date.
open.substack.com/pub/warrenoa...
open.substack.com/pub/warrenoa...
Red is the New Green - Part 1: Why Labour Is Leading on Clean Energy
Since coming into government in July 2024, Labour has taken significant steps to drive the clean energy transition in the UK.
open.substack.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:10 PM
Good summary of probably the strongest part of the Labour government's program so far, the progress on decarbonisation and clean energy really is excellent:
Reposted by Paul Boldrin
Some actual bona fide good news. The domestic clean tech market is absolutely booming and is poised to keep growing. www.businessgreen.com/news/4525218...
'An extraordinary signal': UK homes installed renewables every 90 seconds in 2025
Solar panel, heat pump, and battery storage installations grew 34 per cent year-on-year, driven by government funding and new build installations
www.businessgreen.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Some actual bona fide good news. The domestic clean tech market is absolutely booming and is poised to keep growing. www.businessgreen.com/news/4525218...
I think the attitude expressed in here, basically "The people who are most concerned about climate change are also mean about us" is very telling. Musk also has this. You can't rely on billionaires to solve important issues because it's too contingent on them personally feeling sufficient gratitude.
Danish lukewarmer Bjorn Lomborg showing up in the #epsteinfiles for trying and failing to capture Jerry’s attention was not on my 2026 bingo card but I loved reading @roycerk2.bsky.social @drilledmedia.bsky.social piece on it
drilled.media/news/lomborg...
drilled.media/news/lomborg...
What Happened the day Bjorn Lomborg Met Jeffrey Epstein
The Danish economist and climate crisis denier sought a meeting with Epstein in the hope of securing funding.
drilled.media
February 4, 2026 at 10:15 PM
I think the attitude expressed in here, basically "The people who are most concerned about climate change are also mean about us" is very telling. Musk also has this. You can't rely on billionaires to solve important issues because it's too contingent on them personally feeling sufficient gratitude.
I've been wondering when people were going to start asking the wives given that half the emails go "Yeah, I'll send you a helicopter to paedo island, don't bring your wife though, she won't like it." I know my OH would be absolutely livid with that so I imagine some of them have things to say.
MELINDA GATES: “It brings back memories of some very painful times in my marriage — They need to answer to those things, not me.”
She implies she left her marriage and the Gates Foundation for reasons related to Bill’s ties to Epstein.
(H/T shadowofezra)
She implies she left her marriage and the Gates Foundation for reasons related to Bill’s ties to Epstein.
(H/T shadowofezra)
February 3, 2026 at 8:56 PM
I've been wondering when people were going to start asking the wives given that half the emails go "Yeah, I'll send you a helicopter to paedo island, don't bring your wife though, she won't like it." I know my OH would be absolutely livid with that so I imagine some of them have things to say.
0.2% of GDP is the cost of almost complete decarbonisation. Total no-brainer, especially when it'll almost certainly be even cheaper than that in the end.
How much will it cost the UK to reach an 87% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040?
In a new letter, @thecccuk.bsky.social confirms about £4bn a year (£26bn a year of costs minus £22bn a year of savings).
www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/u...
87% by 2040 is a stepping stone to net zero by 2050
In a new letter, @thecccuk.bsky.social confirms about £4bn a year (£26bn a year of costs minus £22bn a year of savings).
www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/u...
87% by 2040 is a stepping stone to net zero by 2050
February 3, 2026 at 12:16 PM
0.2% of GDP is the cost of almost complete decarbonisation. Total no-brainer, especially when it'll almost certainly be even cheaper than that in the end.
Review of the first half:
February 1, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Review of the first half:
Never forget that Labour are the government accelerating wind power deployment and electrified heating while the Tories and Reform want to increase our vulnerability to increasingly volatile natural gas prices.
UK Wind Power Output at Four-Year High in January Curbs Prices
UK wind farms are expected to provide the most power in almost four years this month as more turbines and blustery conditions help the country pivot away from fossil fuels.
www.bloomberg.com
February 1, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Never forget that Labour are the government accelerating wind power deployment and electrified heating while the Tories and Reform want to increase our vulnerability to increasingly volatile natural gas prices.
From my timeline it seems like the far right were correct that the cyclists are their enemies.
The group bike ride for Alex Pretti is about to depart in Minneapolis, stopping at his memorial, then Renee Good’s, and finishing at the VFW. If you can join, hop on anywhere. It’s a warm 17° & sunny!
I’ve never seen this many cyclists for a group ride. ⚡️✊🏽⚡️🚲⚡️✊🏽⚡️ #RIPPretti
I’ve never seen this many cyclists for a group ride. ⚡️✊🏽⚡️🚲⚡️✊🏽⚡️ #RIPPretti
January 31, 2026 at 11:35 PM
From my timeline it seems like the far right were correct that the cyclists are their enemies.
Reposted by Paul Boldrin
It's not only wealth & power that attract a certain kind of academic, politician or journalist to the wealthy. It's a shared belief in irrepressible individual genius being the key driver for human progress. It's a boringly common irrationality over millennia, and a key driver for human suffering
January 31, 2026 at 8:37 PM
It's not only wealth & power that attract a certain kind of academic, politician or journalist to the wealthy. It's a shared belief in irrepressible individual genius being the key driver for human progress. It's a boringly common irrationality over millennia, and a key driver for human suffering
"Every day on the streets of London there are people edging past pensioners being mugged on the pavement". What an absolute menace this man is. We need to protect pensioners from the torrent of brainrot propaganda constantly being pumped into their brains, not imaginary muggings.
Who is going to tell Boris Johnson that if he didn't like the "band of reasonable responses" test (which gives great latitude to managerial prerogative for employers) in unfair dismissal case law, he could've passed an amendment to Section 98(4) Employment Rights Act 1996 while Prime Minister?
January 31, 2026 at 6:54 PM
"Every day on the streets of London there are people edging past pensioners being mugged on the pavement". What an absolute menace this man is. We need to protect pensioners from the torrent of brainrot propaganda constantly being pumped into their brains, not imaginary muggings.
Interesting paper on steel decarbonisation. Obviously I was most interested in this bit and definitely agree that this is what will happen 😉
January 31, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Interesting paper on steel decarbonisation. Obviously I was most interested in this bit and definitely agree that this is what will happen 😉
As a scientist who has fairly often got down a line of reasoning where you're adding more facts that are bending your hypothesis way beyond what it can stand, at some point you have to step back and say "are my facts wrong, or my hypothesis, because none of this makes any sense?"
Chris Rufo is so upset about the Minneapolis protests that he is resorting to anti-Nordic racism christopherrufo.com/p/the-curse-...
January 30, 2026 at 10:52 PM
As a scientist who has fairly often got down a line of reasoning where you're adding more facts that are bending your hypothesis way beyond what it can stand, at some point you have to step back and say "are my facts wrong, or my hypothesis, because none of this makes any sense?"