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Nick Frass

@nickfrass.bsky.social
103 followers 126 following 146 posts

I write The Forward Curve, a newsletter where I explore energy and economics. open.substack.com/pub/nickfrass?utm…

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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
To fight climate change, we need an energy system that is cheap, clean, and reliable. Over the last year, I've been detangling how such a system would work at The Forward Curve. Many of you have read and enjoyed our pieces, but now you should consider subscribing. Here are my 3 favorite pieces. 🔌💡
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Did you know a Tesla model 3 can store enough energy to power the average American home for 3 days? We should use EV batteries to make the grid cleaner and more affordable for everyone. Come read my roadmap for the widespread adoption of Vehicle-to-Grid. nickfrass.substack.com/p/balcony-so...
nickfrass.substack.com
Balcony Solar Proves Vehicle-to-Grid Can Work
A modest proposal for a cleaner future
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
In my most recent essay I argue that balcony solar provides a useful model for decentralized low-power grid resources with direct application to Vehicle-to-Grid. Give it a read and consider subscribing below #energysky nickfrass.substack.com/p/balcony-so...
nickfrass.substack.com
Balcony Solar Proves Vehicle-to-Grid Can Work
A modest proposal for a cleaner future
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Your neighbor having windmills isn't gonna make your corn fields any less productive. #energysky
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Happy Labor day everyone. The utility industry is one of the most heavily unionized sectors of the economy. If you're enjoying your day off, let's take a moment to think about the workers who keep the lights on. #energysky
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The same movement that saved the Delaware River Valley from a monstrous dam in the 1970s is now stifling climate progress. If we want a clean energy future, we need to address NIMBYism. #energysky nickfrass.substack.com/p/dam-the-ni...
nickfrass.substack.com
Dam The NIMBYs
How the movement that saved the Delaware River is blocking a clean energy future
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
New heat pump meme. #energysky
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
In 1975, a nascent environmental movement blocked the Tocks Island Dam from destroying the Delaware River. 50 years later, we need a massive build out of renewable energy, to combat climate change, but too many environmentalists are still fighting the last war. nickfrass.substack.com/p/dam-the-ni...
nickfrass.substack.com
Dam The NIMBYs
How the movement that saved the Delaware River is blocking a clean energy future
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
The bigger the better!
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
You can't import solar panels. You can't import the stuff needed to make solar panels. 🔌💡 #econsky
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
There was a moment in a lot of old media where the hero apprehends a villain who has done something terrible (i.e. rape, murder, etc.) and they want to kill them, but instead they turn to the camera and say "No... I must turn them into the authorities so they can be tried by a jury of their peers."
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Is solar the Costco or Whole Foods of energy? It turns out the answer is complicated. Solar can raise or lower electricity bills depending upon how much of it is built and where. I explore these nuances in my most recent post. 🔌💡 #energysky #climatesky open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
Is Solar the Costco or Whole Foods of Energy?
How to think about the cost of renewables
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Admittedly, I've been a fan of Hank Green for more than a decade, but this "controversy" feels so silly. Like, I'm sure the mothers at the Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone are really upset that he used AI to help him research a video. I can't name a more responsible internet celebrity.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
I think some people are really overreacting to this thread. This site's moderation is not transphobic for enforcing TOS against trans people.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
This is great. I'd love to look at how much extra wind capacity could realistically come from repowering existing farms.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
I recently discussed Balcony Solar with Cora Stryker from @brightsaver.bsky.social. She spoke on the organization's efforts to promote balcony solar, recent legislative wins, barriers that remain, and what individuals can do to help bring Balcony Solar to their state. 🔌💡 substack.com/@nickfrassin...
substack.com
Can Balcony Solar Make Electricity Affordable
A Conversation with Cora Stryker from Bright Saver
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
JUST DROPPED: Does the existence of hard-to-abate sectors discredit electrification? No, it actually makes electrification far more urgent. I discuss why in my most recent blog post. open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
Electrification Will Not Stop Climate Change
But It Will Buy Us Time
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The Onion @theonion.com · 21/06/2026
Ninja Parade Slips By Town Unnoticed Once Again
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Degrowth is not a useful framework for tackling climate change. At the end of the day, we need wind turbines, not a recession. In my most recent blog post, I show that economic growth in developed countries has no strong correlation with emissions. 🔌💡 #econsky open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
Why Degrowth Doesn't Help the Climate
We need wind turbines, not a recession.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Is there any equivalent to #energysky over on threads. I have started looking at threads, but when I try searching for energy information, I'm given posts about "crystal healing energy".
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Quantian @quantian.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Solar canopies over car lots are a terrible idea relative to just sticking them in a field somewhere but it is an idea that will never ever ever die because it’s like catnip for boomers
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John Smillie @johnsmillie42.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
I did give a presentation on the case for utility scale solar yesterday, and while I did have someone ask about warehouse roofs, nobody asked about parking lots! I had braced for it.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
I had a fantastic and illuminating conversation with @solarchase.bsky.social. We discussed solar manufacturing, declining costs, and the growing trend of solar saturation. Check out my substack for the full audio. #energysky #econsky open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
The Future of Solar with Jenny Chase
What promises and perils lie ahead?
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Over the last few years I have seen more people souring on the idea of autonomous vehicles. In my most recent blog post, I argue that robotaxis are primarily useful as a vector for electrifying transportation. #energysky open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
A Waymo Future is a Zero-Emission Future
How robotaxis can accelerate the transition to electric vehicles
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Energy is constantly analyzed in a market context. Analysts look at spot prices, futures contracts and power purchase agreements. Today I looked at something a little different. What are the Degenerate Oracles of Kalshi saying? #energysky #econsky open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
The Degenerate Oracles of Energy
Kalshi's forecasts for oil, solar and fusion
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
We have so much land that's not doing anything and it's cheaper to place solar on the ground. That being said, it does feel great to get a nice shady spot.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
A good future is one where the only fuel we burn is for rockets.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Anyone interested in the economics of global oil markets and climate change should read this piece. In it I break down the economics of OPEC, why the UAE decided to leave, and how a weakened OPEC is an even bigger threat to the climate. #Econsky open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
OPEC - The Most Effective Climate Organization in The World
And what we can tell from the UAE's decision to leave
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Anyone interested in global oil markets and climate change should read this piece. In it I break down the economics of OPEC, why the UAE decided to leave, and how a weakened OPEC is an even bigger threat to the climate. #Energysky open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
OPEC - The Most Effective Climate Organization in The World
And what we can tell from the UAE's decision to leave
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Splashdown!
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
I wrote a fun piece on substack talking about the energy economics of Project Hail Mary. If you liked the book or the movie you should give it a read. 🔌💡 open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
The Energy Economics of Project Hail Mary
How astrophage would change the world
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Invincible season 4 is shaping up to be the best season so far. It is shockingly good.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
AI is unlikely to destroy humanity, but if humanity is destroyed, it is very likely to be AI.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
We are seeing a rare instance where ethanol is actually cost effective. EVs are obviously better, but this isn't a crazy stop-gap. 🔌💡 www.caranddriver.com/news/a708825...
caranddriver.com
The EPA Is Allowing a Higher Ethanol Gas Blend in an Effort to Bring Down Fuel Prices
The Environmental Protection Agency is allowing the higher blend of ethanol gas in an effort to lower fuel prices, despite concerns that it could worsen smog.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
So while we are paying for a war with Iran, which accidentally closed the straight of Hormuz, which is causing us to pay more for gas, we're going to pay off-shore wind developers not to develop their wind farms, so we can pay more for electricity. Brilliant. No notes 🔌💡 www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/03/...
cnbc.com
White House to pay TotalEnergies $1 billion to kill off East Coast wind farm projects
The announcement comes as the Iran war disrupts global oil and gas supplies, making the U.S.' development of its LNG resources more urgent.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Just created a video breaking down the science that Project Hail Mary violates. All and all, I loved the movie. It did the book justice and is just so full of hope. youtu.be/8SGfS1HNDcY?...
youtu.be
Do Astrophage Break the Second Law of Thermodynamics - Project Hail Mary
YouTube video by Nick Frassinelli
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Electric vehicles for the win! 🔌💡 open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
How Your Neighbor's EV Lowers Your Electric Bill
Let's think win-win about energy
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
My most recent post explores how the unique economics of electric utilities can lead to counterintuitive results. Namely that the electricity demand growth from EVs can actually lower electricity costs for everyone. open.substack.com/pub/nickfras... #econsky
open.substack.com
How Your Neighbor's EV Lowers Your Electric Bill
Let's think win-win about energy
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
In my most recent blog post, I explore how electricity demand growth from EVs can lower costs for everyone. Let me know what you guys think. 🔌💡 open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
How Your Neighbor's EV Lowers Your Electric Bill
Let's think win-win about energy
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
There has been growing interest in the use of prediction markets for forecasting, but these markets face multiple limitations in forecasting far future events. In my recent blog post I explore how to design long-term markets to overcome these limitations. open.substack.com/pub/nickfras... #Econsky
open.substack.com
How to Build Long-Term Prediction Markets
For Climate Change and Other Far Future Events
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
In a country where 40% of land is used for hamburger production, don't ever let anyone gaslight you into thinking renewables take up too much land. 🔌💡
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
It is mind boggling to me that anyone would think it makes sense to dig up and burn fossil fuels only to try to regather and and rebury the carbon dioxide molecules once they've flitted throughout the atmosphere. Fossil fuel companies are obviously lying about DAC, but a lot of people believe it. 🔌💡
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Joni Askola @joniaskola.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Ukraine does not need Trump’s help to surrender
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
The same solar panels cost half as much in Australia as in the US. Why? The answer is a suite of tariffs, supported by every President since 2012. To stay competitive in AI and advanced manufacturing, I argue we need to stop holding ourselves back. #econsky open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
How Tariffs Hurt American AI
And many other industries too
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
If Trump attacks the Fed and cuts interest rates, we may see a surge of solar and battery installations. This would be short-lived if low rates trigger inflation and rates have to be raised again. But inflation would further help solar projects that manage to get financed in this window. 🔌💡
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
#energysky I suspect this means projects won't get the tax credits. Period. I hope I am wrong. www.utilitydive.com/news/treasur...
utilitydive.com
Wind, solar must show ‘significant’ work but ‘no fixed minimum’ under new Treasury rules
To qualify for tax credits, projects will need to meet less cut-and-dried physical construction requirements instead of spending at least 5% of project costs to prove construction had commenced.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
I think it is good messaging to complain about republicans broadly instead of Trump specifically (even though Trump is the worst). Conservatives complain about Democrats and the radical left. Liberals mostly complain about Trump. It wins us very few allies, and it makes us seem obsessive to normies.
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
If the hyperscalers bypass the grid and build off-grid solar and batteries to power their facilities, they will need a lot of excess capacity that will simply be wasted most of the time. This means free excess energy at relatively high capacity factors. The industrial implications could be huge! 🔌💡
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
I find some comfort in knowing that, even when politicians fail us, scientists and engineers are still working hard. 🔌💡 www.sustainability-times.com/energy/envis...
sustainability-times.com
Envision Energy’s Breakthrough Shows "One Blade Gone, Power Still Surges" as Two-Blade Turbine Matches Three-Blade Efficiency and Promises Cheaper Wind Farms - Sustainability Times
IN A NUTSHELL 🌬️ Envision Energy’s new prototype features a two-bladed design that rivals the efficiency of traditional models. 🔧 Engineers have integrated a high-speed generator and lightweight const...
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Nick Frass @nickfrass.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
This will not be the last record-breaking year. open.substack.com/pub/nickfras...
open.substack.com
Why King Coal Rules In Developing Countries
This post is part of a series on coal use in developing countries.
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