What is this blog?
Much as some people point out every cow they see on the highway, I am compelled to point out every heat pump, solar panel, and wind turbine I see. Why? Because they’re metal as hell, that’s why. This blog is me pointing these things out for the whole internet to see and love.
I’ll share pictures of some particularly cool elements of the energy transition and do some writing that I hope helps more people understand how the transition will work and what’s so great about it.
Who am I?
I’m someone who is enthused about the energy transition because it’s pretty obvious to me that a low-emissions world is a better world than the one we currently live in. A non-decarbonized future is bleak given the effects of climate change and general air pollution. I don’t want that. I want cool shit, like renewable energy, health equity, quiet transportation, clean air and water, clear skies, and a resilient and flexible grid.
What does the energy transition look like?
It’s pretty simple actually. Just two things:
A ton of renewables and storage: solar, wind, geothermal, batteries.
About a billion machines: electrifying everything in our homes, buildings, and cars.
Ok, well it’s not just two things, but I’m trying to keep it simple. Anyway, these are the sorts of things I’ll mostly be talking about here.
What about nuclear?
Listen, if we could build out nuclear fast enough I’d be all for it. But we can't. The last nuclear reactor to be built in the US was started in 1973 and finally completed in 2015. The next units to be completed have been a boondoggle. Next generation nuclear plants are constantly 10 years away. Nuclear fusion is frankly awesome in a literal sense, but it’s sci-fi until proven otherwise. So, I say we keep existing nuclear plants running, throw some money into research for next-gen plants and fusion, but don’t count on it to make serious cuts into carbon emissions in the next decade.
I doubt I’ll post about nuclear much, but there’s a lot of movement in the space so we’ll see where the blog takes us.
Um, actually, you got [X] wrong.
I’m going to try to get things approximately correct, so if I make a mistake or you think I didn’t explain something properly, please let me know! However, I’m going to try to keep things simple.
Why is it called Pumping Heat?
I love heat pumps; they’re magic. It’s a fun thing to say. Don’t overthink it.
Got some background music for me to listen to?
For you, reader, I have three.
First and most on the nose is the Canary Media energy and climate playlist.
Second is the album I can’t stop listening to, Lorde’s Solar Power. I shouldn’t have to explain this one.
And third, is John Luther Adams’ The Become Trilogy, recorded by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, and called “the loveliest apocalypse in musical history”. It is JLA’s attempt to grapple with the climate crisis.
Who are you?
Just your regular decarbonization enthusiast living in Richmond, VA who spent a lot of time in San Francisco. You can follow me here.