Justin Gerdes
@justingerdes.bsky.social
I publish the Quitting Carbon newsletter. Subscribe: https://www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/. Former Managing Editor, Energy Monitor. Send story ideas or tips: justingerdes@gmail.com or Signal: JustinGerdes.85
Pinned
Justin Gerdes
@justingerdes.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Welcome to Quitting Carbon
Reporting and analysis on the projects, people, and policies advancing the energy transition.
Welcome to Quitting Carbon, a newsletter that will chronicle the most important story of our lives: human...
www.quittingcarbonmedia.com
Some personal news: I'm very excited to share that I'm launching a newsletter called Quitting Carbon, focused on the projects, people, and policies advancing the energy transition. Read more about what I'll be up to and subscribe! www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/welcome-to-q...
Weekend reading: Electrification programs advance in California and New York City, and noteworthy reports and studies you might have missed in a research roundup: www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/what-im-read... via Quitting Carbon🔌💡
What I’m reading: Electrification programs advance in California and New York City, research roundup, and more
Quitting Carbon is a 100% subscriber-funded publication. To support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation.
Welcome back to another recap of highlights from...
www.quittingcarbonmedia.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Weekend reading: Electrification programs advance in California and New York City, and noteworthy reports and studies you might have missed in a research roundup: www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/what-im-read... via Quitting Carbon🔌💡
"What’s going to be more telling is when they have a new, updated mission of the Office of Electricity or a new, updated mission of the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation.” - a source told @alexckaufman.bsky.social about DOE's new reorganization: heatmap.news/energy/depar... 🔌💡
11 Takeaways from the DOE’s Big Reorganization
Here’s what stood out to former agency staffers.
heatmap.news
November 22, 2025 at 12:56 AM
"What’s going to be more telling is when they have a new, updated mission of the Office of Electricity or a new, updated mission of the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation.” - a source told @alexckaufman.bsky.social about DOE's new reorganization: heatmap.news/energy/depar... 🔌💡
"At their all-time high, in 2017, global sales of pure internal combustion vehicles hit 79.9 million units, per data from the International Energy Agency. Last year, 54.8 million internal combustion cars were sold, a 31% reduction." www.canarymedia.com/articles/ele... via @danmccarthy.bsky.social
Chart: EVs are ascendant — and gas cars are past their prime
Sales of gas-only vehicles are down by 31% from their peak, while electric vehicle sales are growing rapidly worldwide, largely due to China.
www.canarymedia.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:21 AM
"At their all-time high, in 2017, global sales of pure internal combustion vehicles hit 79.9 million units, per data from the International Energy Agency. Last year, 54.8 million internal combustion cars were sold, a 31% reduction." www.canarymedia.com/articles/ele... via @danmccarthy.bsky.social
My latest at Quitting Carbon: Electrification programs advance in California and New York City, research roundup, and more highlights from what I've been reading: www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/what-im-read... 🔌💡
What I’m reading: Electrification programs advance in California and New York City, research roundup, and more
Quitting Carbon is a 100% subscriber-funded publication. To support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation.
Welcome back to another recap of highlights from...
www.quittingcarbonmedia.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:03 AM
My latest at Quitting Carbon: Electrification programs advance in California and New York City, research roundup, and more highlights from what I've been reading: www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/what-im-read... 🔌💡
Oregon Governor @tinakotek.bsky.social "on Wednesday issued an executive order directing state agencies to speed up energy project permitting and processes to connect renewable energy to the state’s electric grid for the long haul." www.opb.org/article/2025... via @alexbaumhardt.bsky.social 🔌💡
Gov. Kotek orders state agencies to move faster on clean energy projects, electrification
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek issued an executive order meant to get agencies to identify barriers to clean energy projects and transmission and find solutions by 2027.
www.opb.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Oregon Governor @tinakotek.bsky.social "on Wednesday issued an executive order directing state agencies to speed up energy project permitting and processes to connect renewable energy to the state’s electric grid for the long haul." www.opb.org/article/2025... via @alexbaumhardt.bsky.social 🔌💡
"A key House panel this afternoon advanced a bipartisan permitting deal that would include language appearing to bar Donald Trump or any other president from rescinding permits for energy projects," reports @jael.bsky.social: heatmap.news/energy/speed... 🔌💡
House Permitting Bill Would Block Trump From Pulling Permits
It was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee on Thursday by a vote of 25 to 18.
heatmap.news
November 21, 2025 at 6:15 AM
"A key House panel this afternoon advanced a bipartisan permitting deal that would include language appearing to bar Donald Trump or any other president from rescinding permits for energy projects," reports @jael.bsky.social: heatmap.news/energy/speed... 🔌💡
"High-speed rail has added another structural headwind. ... The rapid expansion of China’s railway network has fundamentally reshaped domestic travel patterns, pushing airlines into even fiercer competition along their remaining profitable corridors." www.scmp.com/economy/econ... via Mia Nurmamat
As high-speed rail erodes airfares, China’s airlines are stuck in overcapacity
Flight loads have surpassed pre-pandemic levels on high-density routes, but China’s carriers are still struggling to balance their books.
www.scmp.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:55 PM
"High-speed rail has added another structural headwind. ... The rapid expansion of China’s railway network has fundamentally reshaped domestic travel patterns, pushing airlines into even fiercer competition along their remaining profitable corridors." www.scmp.com/economy/econ... via Mia Nurmamat
"And if the history of energy has an arc, it bends toward solutions that are leaner, cheaper, and more secure. On every measure, solar beats LNG," argue @kingsmillbond.bsky.social and @sambutl3r.bsky.social: www.semafor.com/article/11/2... 🔌💡
View: In the coming energy glut, solar will outshine LNG
China and the US have competing visions for the future of energy, and Beijing is looking like the safer bet.
www.semafor.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:32 PM
"And if the history of energy has an arc, it bends toward solutions that are leaner, cheaper, and more secure. On every measure, solar beats LNG," argue @kingsmillbond.bsky.social and @sambutl3r.bsky.social: www.semafor.com/article/11/2... 🔌💡
"We can pull the old boiler out. We don’t have to change radiators or piping. We plug right into the system from the bottom and — bam — we’re in business,” MPN's Julia Cyr told @scigat.bsky.social: www.skylight.nyc/articles/res... via @skylightnyc.bsky.social 🔌💡
Steam heat systems learning new tricks | Skylight
A legacy boiler company is pioneering boiler replacement with a steam-generating heat pump powerful enough to heat New York's biggest apartment buildings
www.skylight.nyc
November 20, 2025 at 7:26 PM
"We can pull the old boiler out. We don’t have to change radiators or piping. We plug right into the system from the bottom and — bam — we’re in business,” MPN's Julia Cyr told @scigat.bsky.social: www.skylight.nyc/articles/res... via @skylightnyc.bsky.social 🔌💡
"A House subcommittee on Wednesday advanced several pieces of legislation to weaken energy efficiency programs, cancel standards for manufactured homes and eliminate some home rebates, building codes and job training programs." www.utilitydive.com/news/house-s... via Robert Walton 🔌💡
Bills to weaken DOE efficiency programs advance
Republican lawmakers say the proposals will make housing and appliances more affordable and improve consumer choice. Energy efficiency advocates say they will raise consumer energy costs.
www.utilitydive.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:26 PM
"A House subcommittee on Wednesday advanced several pieces of legislation to weaken energy efficiency programs, cancel standards for manufactured homes and eliminate some home rebates, building codes and job training programs." www.utilitydive.com/news/house-s... via Robert Walton 🔌💡
"The Regent is among the dozens of buildings that the city of Lincoln has helped weatherize and repair since 2023, as part of a program to rehabilitate decrepit buildings and improve their energy efficiency without pricing out tenants." www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/c... by @carabuckley.bsky.social 🔌💡
In Nebraska, Makeovers for Buildings That Don’t Price Out the Locals
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:40 PM
"The Regent is among the dozens of buildings that the city of Lincoln has helped weatherize and repair since 2023, as part of a program to rehabilitate decrepit buildings and improve their energy efficiency without pricing out tenants." www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/c... by @carabuckley.bsky.social 🔌💡
South Australia "on Sunday morning posted a spectacular new record for wind output, breaking total wind and renewable shares at the same time. ... the share of wind energy hit a new peak of 157.2% of local demand at 5.30 am." reneweconomy.com.au/australias-m... via @gilesparkinson.bsky.social 🔌💡
reneweconomy.com.au
November 17, 2025 at 10:41 PM
South Australia "on Sunday morning posted a spectacular new record for wind output, breaking total wind and renewable shares at the same time. ... the share of wind energy hit a new peak of 157.2% of local demand at 5.30 am." reneweconomy.com.au/australias-m... via @gilesparkinson.bsky.social 🔌💡
"The EU’s climate legislation is being sacrificed at the altar of Trump appeasement," writes @davekeating.substack.com. "Washington now thinks it has a veto over European laws. And based on the recent actions of our European politicians, they are not wrong." davekeating.substack.com/p/the-eu-par...
The EU Parliament now has a right-wing majority
President von der Leyen's centre-right EPP yesterday broke the centrist coalition, joining with the far right in order to pass the climate deregulation demanded by Trump.
davekeating.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 12:52 AM
"The EU’s climate legislation is being sacrificed at the altar of Trump appeasement," writes @davekeating.substack.com. "Washington now thinks it has a veto over European laws. And based on the recent actions of our European politicians, they are not wrong." davekeating.substack.com/p/the-eu-par...
"By insisting that EV drivers get the same plug-in and payment experience regardless of where they go, [the Biden] administration did lay the groundwork for the EV revolution of tomorrow — even if he won’t get credit for it." A great long read by David Ferris: www.politico.com/news/magazin... 🔌💡
Why Trump Couldn’t Stop the Electric Vehicle Dream
We never got those promised EV chargers — but we did get a future for EVs.
www.politico.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:38 PM
"By insisting that EV drivers get the same plug-in and payment experience regardless of where they go, [the Biden] administration did lay the groundwork for the EV revolution of tomorrow — even if he won’t get credit for it." A great long read by David Ferris: www.politico.com/news/magazin... 🔌💡
"According to an analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund of data from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation ... coal has the highest 'equipment-related outage rate' ... among coal, hydropower, natural gas, nuclear, and wind." heatmap.news/energy/coal-... by @zeitlin.bsky.social 🔌💡
Trump Wants to Prop Up Coal Plants. They Keep Breaking Down.
According to a new analysis shared exclusively with Heatmap, coal’s equipment-related outage rate is about twice as high as wind’s.
heatmap.news
November 15, 2025 at 12:51 AM
"According to an analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund of data from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation ... coal has the highest 'equipment-related outage rate' ... among coal, hydropower, natural gas, nuclear, and wind." heatmap.news/energy/coal-... by @zeitlin.bsky.social 🔌💡
Germany "to hold auctions next year for state support to build new gas-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 10 GW by 2032 – a drastic reduction compared to earlier plans to build up to 20 GW by the turn of the decade." www.cleanenergywire.org/news/germany... via @wettengel.bsky.social 🔌💡
Germany scales back plans for new gas-fired power plants
www.cleanenergywire.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Germany "to hold auctions next year for state support to build new gas-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 10 GW by 2032 – a drastic reduction compared to earlier plans to build up to 20 GW by the turn of the decade." www.cleanenergywire.org/news/germany... via @wettengel.bsky.social 🔌💡
"Here are three immediate steps [state and local lawmakers] can take to save consumers money on their power bills," writes @ilsr.bsky.social's @johnffarrell.bsky.social: www.canarymedia.com/articles/uti... 🔌💡
Electricity is too expensive. Here are three ways to fix that.
Lawmakers nationwide can lower power bills by cutting utility profits, rewarding the companies for boosting efficiency, and unleashing solar and storage.
www.canarymedia.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:59 PM
"Here are three immediate steps [state and local lawmakers] can take to save consumers money on their power bills," writes @ilsr.bsky.social's @johnffarrell.bsky.social: www.canarymedia.com/articles/uti... 🔌💡
New York officials signed a $32 million contract with Copper "to develop, pilot and produce 10,000 new energy-efficient induction stoves for use in New York City public housing facilities." www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsro... 🔌💡
$32 Million Commitment Announced to Electrify Cooking Appliances in NYCHA Buildings Through Induction Stove Challenge - NYSERDA
The New York Power Authority (NYPA), the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) today announced that the next phase of the ...
www.nyserda.ny.gov
November 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
New York officials signed a $32 million contract with Copper "to develop, pilot and produce 10,000 new energy-efficient induction stoves for use in New York City public housing facilities." www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsro... 🔌💡
Julian Spector gets a first look at Skyven’s industrial heat pump: www.canarymedia.com/articles/hea... 🔌💡
This industrial heat pump is cheaper to run than a boiler. Yes,…
Skyven Technologies is making clean steam in a cost-effective way. The tech could boost efforts to decarbonize heavy industry.
www.canarymedia.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Julian Spector gets a first look at Skyven’s industrial heat pump: www.canarymedia.com/articles/hea... 🔌💡
@calenergy.bsky.social: "California now has nearly 17,000 megawatts of battery storage — one-third of the way to its 2045 goal." www.energy.ca.gov/news/2025-11... 🔌💡
November 13, 2025 at 11:55 PM
@calenergy.bsky.social: "California now has nearly 17,000 megawatts of battery storage — one-third of the way to its 2045 goal." www.energy.ca.gov/news/2025-11... 🔌💡
@airresources.bsky.social on California’s Satellite Methane Project: "Data from a specialized satellite has helped resolve 10 large methane leaks at oil and gas facilities across California since May." ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/califor...
California’s methane satellite helps stop 10 large leaks | California Air Resources Board
What you need to know: California steps in as federal administration moves to eliminate climate data-gathering satellites. The state satellite project has already helped resolve 10 large methane leaks...
ww2.arb.ca.gov
November 13, 2025 at 10:49 PM
@airresources.bsky.social on California’s Satellite Methane Project: "Data from a specialized satellite has helped resolve 10 large methane leaks at oil and gas facilities across California since May." ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/califor...
A milestone: I just celebrated the first anniversary of my newsletter, Quitting Carbon! Please consider becoming paid subscriber, so I can continue to bring you my reporting and analysis on the world’s most important story: www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/one-year-of-... 🔌💡
One year of Quitting Carbon
Quitting Carbon is a 100% subscriber-funded publication. To support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation.
Today marks one year since I launched this newsl...
www.quittingcarbonmedia.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:45 PM
A milestone: I just celebrated the first anniversary of my newsletter, Quitting Carbon! Please consider becoming paid subscriber, so I can continue to bring you my reporting and analysis on the world’s most important story: www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/one-year-of-... 🔌💡
Reposted by Justin Gerdes
NEW: I wrote about British churches installing heat pumps, in some cases in 1,000-year-old buildings! Decarbonisation may not be easy, but many view it as an act of faith.
This is a special feature to mark The Reengineer’s first anniversary! Spread the word! 🥳
www.thereengineer.pro/p/let-there-...
This is a special feature to mark The Reengineer’s first anniversary! Spread the word! 🥳
www.thereengineer.pro/p/let-there-...
Let there be warmth! The British churches putting their faith in heat pumps
Ancient buildings and old bones aren’t getting in the way of decarbonisation
www.thereengineer.pro
November 13, 2025 at 12:06 PM
NEW: I wrote about British churches installing heat pumps, in some cases in 1,000-year-old buildings! Decarbonisation may not be easy, but many view it as an act of faith.
This is a special feature to mark The Reengineer’s first anniversary! Spread the word! 🥳
www.thereengineer.pro/p/let-there-...
This is a special feature to mark The Reengineer’s first anniversary! Spread the word! 🥳
www.thereengineer.pro/p/let-there-...
"The Trump administration appears poised to force more coal plants to stay open past their planned closing dates — an unprecedented intervention in the power sector that is already making energy even more expensive for Americans." www.canarymedia.com/articles/fos... by @jeffstjohn.bsky.social 🔌💡
Trump’s DOE may soon force more coal plants to stay open
Colorado coal plants are likely to face DOE orders to keep running past planned closure dates, even as the costs of keeping an old Michigan plant open…
www.canarymedia.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:57 AM
"The Trump administration appears poised to force more coal plants to stay open past their planned closing dates — an unprecedented intervention in the power sector that is already making energy even more expensive for Americans." www.canarymedia.com/articles/fos... by @jeffstjohn.bsky.social 🔌💡
Reposted by Justin Gerdes
Today marks one year since I launched Quitting Carbon! Here are some thoughts on the first year and a plea for readers to be willing to pay for the journalism you read at Quitting Carbon, and everywhere else your curiosity takes you online: www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/one-year-of-... 🔌💡
One year of Quitting Carbon
Quitting Carbon is a 100% subscriber-funded publication. To support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation.
Today marks one year since I launched this newsl...
www.quittingcarbonmedia.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Today marks one year since I launched Quitting Carbon! Here are some thoughts on the first year and a plea for readers to be willing to pay for the journalism you read at Quitting Carbon, and everywhere else your curiosity takes you online: www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/one-year-of-... 🔌💡