Kevin J. Kircher
@kevinjkircher.com
Engineering prof (mechanical + electrical) at a big Midwest state school. Energy, climate, buildings, power grid, control, optimization, data science. He/him. Personal account. https://kevinjkircher.com/ Email: my last name at purdue dot edu
Pinned
New paper! Heat-pump water heaters could cut energy costs and pollution, but installs often require 💰 electrical work to accommodate backup resistance heat. My student Levi Premer developed prediction and control software to eliminate the need for backup heat and ⬆️ efficiency and flexibility. 🧵1/
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
I would love to be thankful for the 1,000 subscribers of @heatpumped.org today... But we're not quite there yet!
Can you help me make it happen?
Subscribe here: buff.ly/kJGBnMJ
Can you help me make it happen?
Subscribe here: buff.ly/kJGBnMJ
November 27, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I would love to be thankful for the 1,000 subscribers of @heatpumped.org today... But we're not quite there yet!
Can you help me make it happen?
Subscribe here: buff.ly/kJGBnMJ
Can you help me make it happen?
Subscribe here: buff.ly/kJGBnMJ
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Amazon signs agreement with utility NIPSCO to buy 2.4 GW of power for its massive IN data center complex - all of which will come from new gas plants. @beninskeep.bsky.social : “It is outrageous that none of the electricity .. will come from additional renewable energy or energy efficiency.”
NIPSCO to supply 3 GW to Amazon data centers in northern Indiana
Northern Indiana Public Service Co. and an affiliate expect to spend about $7 billion on 2.6 GW of gas, 400 MW of storage and transmission — to be paid for by Amazon.
www.utilitydive.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Amazon signs agreement with utility NIPSCO to buy 2.4 GW of power for its massive IN data center complex - all of which will come from new gas plants. @beninskeep.bsky.social : “It is outrageous that none of the electricity .. will come from additional renewable energy or energy efficiency.”
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
NEW from me: the Trump administration is moving new chemicals that have some link to data centers to the front of the line for approvals — creating huge loopholes to push all kinds of chemicals through, experts tell me, under potential political pressure
The Trump Administration’s Data Center Push Could Open the Door for New Forever Chemicals
The EPA is prioritizing review of new chemicals to be used in data centers. Experts say this could lead to the fast approval of new types of forever chemicals—with limited oversight.
www.wired.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:12 PM
NEW from me: the Trump administration is moving new chemicals that have some link to data centers to the front of the line for approvals — creating huge loopholes to push all kinds of chemicals through, experts tell me, under potential political pressure
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Narrative that ambitious climate mitigation policy is a threat to affordability is a tired one, yet it continues to re-emerge. (1/)
www.eenews.net/articles/new...
www.eenews.net/articles/new...
New York Democrats split on climate law
As Gov. Kathy Hochul considers changes to the state's 2019 climate targets, Democratic lawmakers are split amid affordability concerns.
www.eenews.net
November 26, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Narrative that ambitious climate mitigation policy is a threat to affordability is a tired one, yet it continues to re-emerge. (1/)
www.eenews.net/articles/new...
www.eenews.net/articles/new...
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Great news! Connecticut governor Ned Lamont, a noted coward, has finally located his big-boy pants and signed the legislature's amazing, ambitious housing bill. Among other things, it nukes parking mandates!
Gov. Lamont signs much-debated CT affordable housing bill after vetoing previous version
The bill is Connecticut's most significant housing legislation in decades.
www.ctinsider.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Great news! Connecticut governor Ned Lamont, a noted coward, has finally located his big-boy pants and signed the legislature's amazing, ambitious housing bill. Among other things, it nukes parking mandates!
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
JFC. Three gigawatts of fossil-fuelled power for a new Amazon data centre
@beninskeep.bsky.social points out the new gas plant could produce 4x the harmful climate pollution as the coal plant it's replacing 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
www.utilitydive.com/news/nisourc...
@beninskeep.bsky.social points out the new gas plant could produce 4x the harmful climate pollution as the coal plant it's replacing 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
www.utilitydive.com/news/nisourc...
November 26, 2025 at 8:03 PM
JFC. Three gigawatts of fossil-fuelled power for a new Amazon data centre
@beninskeep.bsky.social points out the new gas plant could produce 4x the harmful climate pollution as the coal plant it's replacing 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
www.utilitydive.com/news/nisourc...
@beninskeep.bsky.social points out the new gas plant could produce 4x the harmful climate pollution as the coal plant it's replacing 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
www.utilitydive.com/news/nisourc...
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Today on Volts: I've had more requests to cover this than almost any other topic in the pod's history, so now, at long last, balcony solar! We dig into how "plug-in solar" took off in Europe & how it's making its way to the US, starting in Utah. Backyard DIY types rejoice!
What's the deal with balcony solar?
Cora Stryker joins me to explain how "plug-in" solar took Europe by storm and is finally, via Utah (?), making its way to America.
www.volts.wtf
November 26, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Today on Volts: I've had more requests to cover this than almost any other topic in the pod's history, so now, at long last, balcony solar! We dig into how "plug-in solar" took off in Europe & how it's making its way to the US, starting in Utah. Backyard DIY types rejoice!
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Great ACCR study: Shell actively lobbies to increase demand for the stuff it sells, even though using more of it causes more destruction and damage to our lives.
ie: Suppliers create demand. And so putting a leash on supply is vital for climate.
www.accr.org.au/research/com...
ie: Suppliers create demand. And so putting a leash on supply is vital for climate.
www.accr.org.au/research/com...
November 26, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Great ACCR study: Shell actively lobbies to increase demand for the stuff it sells, even though using more of it causes more destruction and damage to our lives.
ie: Suppliers create demand. And so putting a leash on supply is vital for climate.
www.accr.org.au/research/com...
ie: Suppliers create demand. And so putting a leash on supply is vital for climate.
www.accr.org.au/research/com...
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Exclusive: I have learned that any energy permitting deal struck this Congress will have to address Trump’s solar and wind energy bottleneck or else it will never become law.
This comes as the main solar industry group is staying silent on a GOP-led deal moving through the House.
This comes as the main solar industry group is staying silent on a GOP-led deal moving through the House.
Trump Is the Biggest Wild Card in Permitting Reform
Congress is motivated to pass a bipartisan deal, but Democrats are demanding limits on executive power.
heatmap.news
November 25, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Exclusive: I have learned that any energy permitting deal struck this Congress will have to address Trump’s solar and wind energy bottleneck or else it will never become law.
This comes as the main solar industry group is staying silent on a GOP-led deal moving through the House.
This comes as the main solar industry group is staying silent on a GOP-led deal moving through the House.
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
"The cost of removing large quantities of CO2 from the air will fall in the medium term, but not as much as previously hoped.
This is the conclusion reached by @ethz.ch researchers on the basis of new calculations. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions should therefore continue at pace"
This is the conclusion reached by @ethz.ch researchers on the basis of new calculations. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions should therefore continue at pace"
Cost of direct air carbon capture to remain higher than hoped
The cost of removing large quantities of CO2 from the air will fall in the medium term, but not as much as previously hoped. This is the conclusion reached by ETH researchers on the basis of new calcu...
ethz.ch
November 25, 2025 at 6:37 AM
"The cost of removing large quantities of CO2 from the air will fall in the medium term, but not as much as previously hoped.
This is the conclusion reached by @ethz.ch researchers on the basis of new calculations. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions should therefore continue at pace"
This is the conclusion reached by @ethz.ch researchers on the basis of new calculations. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions should therefore continue at pace"
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
CORRECTION: A *third* potato has been named after Prince.
November 22, 2025 at 6:29 PM
CORRECTION: A *third* potato has been named after Prince.
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
There's a lot of talk about electricity bills, but much less about the people who actually have the greatest influence over them: public utility commissioners. Gov. Braun will be making key decisions on appointments in Indiana. Thanks to @indianacapitalchronicle.com for covering:
Nine finalists named for Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission openings • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana officials on Thursday named nine finalists for three open seats on the powerful Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:10 PM
There's a lot of talk about electricity bills, but much less about the people who actually have the greatest influence over them: public utility commissioners. Gov. Braun will be making key decisions on appointments in Indiana. Thanks to @indianacapitalchronicle.com for covering:
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
@carlbfrey.bsky.social: the AI bubble differs in key respects from the 90s tech bubble, with bigger macroeconomic risks. First, unlike long-lived fiber-optic cable and backbone networks built in the 90s, today's AI chips & memory quickly degrade or become obsolete, requiring constant reinvestment.
The AI Bubble’s Shaky Math
Carl Benedikt Frey thinks the productivity gains are more muted, and the macro risks more pronounced, than in the dot-com bubble.
www.project-syndicate.org
November 23, 2025 at 3:20 PM
@carlbfrey.bsky.social: the AI bubble differs in key respects from the 90s tech bubble, with bigger macroeconomic risks. First, unlike long-lived fiber-optic cable and backbone networks built in the 90s, today's AI chips & memory quickly degrade or become obsolete, requiring constant reinvestment.
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
AI and data centers are a huge fault line in Trump’s coalition. It turns out that deregulation and tax cuts to line the pockets of tech billionaires, a key focus of Trump II, isn't winning over the MAGA base. www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
The surprising issue driving a wedge between Trump and his MAGA base
President Donald Trump’s attempt to block states from regulating AI sparked pushback from Republicans concerned the tech will displace workers and harm kids.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:08 PM
AI and data centers are a huge fault line in Trump’s coalition. It turns out that deregulation and tax cuts to line the pockets of tech billionaires, a key focus of Trump II, isn't winning over the MAGA base. www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Friends — after a lengthy hiatus, I am finally rebooting my newsletter, Metafoundry. If you’re already a subscriber, you should have received your first newsletter from my new provider, Buttondown. Otherwise, you can learn more and subscribe here: buttondown.com/metafoundry#...
Metafoundry
The newsletter of Deb Chachra's work and ideas. Musings on infrastructure, technology, culture, design, education, and more. Low volume, no spam, no tracking, unsubscribe whenever. Want a taste of wha...
buttondown.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Friends — after a lengthy hiatus, I am finally rebooting my newsletter, Metafoundry. If you’re already a subscriber, you should have received your first newsletter from my new provider, Buttondown. Otherwise, you can learn more and subscribe here: buttondown.com/metafoundry#...
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
I think entirely too much about how California’s climate plan explicitly says that converting to EVs is not nearly enough to meet our greenhouse gas reduction targets so we need to reduce VMT 25% by 2030, and then we do basically nothing to try to achieve that goal
November 22, 2025 at 2:48 AM
I think entirely too much about how California’s climate plan explicitly says that converting to EVs is not nearly enough to meet our greenhouse gas reduction targets so we need to reduce VMT 25% by 2030, and then we do basically nothing to try to achieve that goal
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
A French ICC judge sanctioned by the US over the Netanyau arrest warrant says all his accounts with US companies have been closed, making it “like being sent back to the 1990s.”
“Without sovereignty – military, health, financial and digital – we can no longer guarantee the rule of law,” he says.
“Without sovereignty – military, health, financial and digital – we can no longer guarantee the rule of law,” he says.
![What can governments do?
In the face of US sanctions, European authorities can implement the "blocking statute" [a mechanism used in the past that protects EU citizens and companies from the effects of sanctions imposed by third countries]. Europe needs greater sovereignty, especially in digital and banking matters. That is the only way to reduce the impact of sanctions and, indirectly, protect the victims of international crimes. Today, there is no room for naivety. Without sovereignty – military, health, financial and digital – we can no longer guarantee the rule of law. Some European lawmakers have become aware of these issues. Still, this awareness must grow among national governments and the European Commission, because behind the sanctions against the ICC lies the entire question of the rule of law.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5rxcpjus3ple6jpbuafvm4og/bafkreiflzi2b3svul3iq3omdpk3yl4kydla7cisw7ireldm7zne2majeoq@jpeg)
November 22, 2025 at 12:55 PM
A French ICC judge sanctioned by the US over the Netanyau arrest warrant says all his accounts with US companies have been closed, making it “like being sent back to the 1990s.”
“Without sovereignty – military, health, financial and digital – we can no longer guarantee the rule of law,” he says.
“Without sovereignty – military, health, financial and digital – we can no longer guarantee the rule of law,” he says.
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Something this cursed post has revealed is that many liberals believe that cheap renewables have effectively solved climate change, and now it's just a waiting game.
You ever just sit down and realize that the rise of 21st century fascism is capital's answer to climate change?
November 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Something this cursed post has revealed is that many liberals believe that cheap renewables have effectively solved climate change, and now it's just a waiting game.
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Gas pipeline proposals are moving fast & furious in the southeast US. Dan River Basin Assn's Haworth: these companies are putting communities at risk "producing for a market that may not exist."
Gas Pipeline Proposals in Virginia Multiply Through the South—and Worry Community Activists - Inside Climate News
MVP’s Southgate Extension and Williams Companies’ Southeast Supply Enhancement Project are proposed in close proximity within a single North Carolina county.
insideclimatenews.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Gas pipeline proposals are moving fast & furious in the southeast US. Dan River Basin Assn's Haworth: these companies are putting communities at risk "producing for a market that may not exist."
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Don't call it AI or LLM. Call it the Expensive Mistake Generator.
This great thread makes a point I've been trying to convey for years. Calling all data-driven prediction or decision software "AI" is a huge gift to LLM hypemen, who want people to believe, incorrectly, that LLM data centers are crucial for solar forecasting or operating buildings and power grids.
Journalist challenge: Use “Machine Learning” when you mean machine learning and “LLM” when you mean LLM. Ditch “AI” as a catch-all term, it’s not useful for readers and it helps companies trying to confuse the public by obscuring the roles played by different technologies. 🧪
November 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Don't call it AI or LLM. Call it the Expensive Mistake Generator.
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
“What once sounded unthinkable is now being said openly: Tehran is not viable; and evacuation orders are imminent.
As I wrote before, President Masoud Pezeshkian himself said that it might be necessary to relocate Tehranis in large number.” open.substack.com/pub/peterfra...
As I wrote before, President Masoud Pezeshkian himself said that it might be necessary to relocate Tehranis in large number.” open.substack.com/pub/peterfra...
Makran or Bust: Tehran's water crisis gets worse
Ten days ago I wrote that Tehran was approaching a point where warnings, pressure cuts and appeals to save water would no longer be enough.
open.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:06 PM
“What once sounded unthinkable is now being said openly: Tehran is not viable; and evacuation orders are imminent.
As I wrote before, President Masoud Pezeshkian himself said that it might be necessary to relocate Tehranis in large number.” open.substack.com/pub/peterfra...
As I wrote before, President Masoud Pezeshkian himself said that it might be necessary to relocate Tehranis in large number.” open.substack.com/pub/peterfra...
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Good. I'm glad this is the headline. This is the real story. Thank you to the BBC.
November 22, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Good. I'm glad this is the headline. This is the real story. Thank you to the BBC.
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
Like 70% because of the California Coastal Commission, maybe the best public agency in existence.
Why Bay Area parks are among the best in the world—Parks also wouldn’t exist here in such abundance if communities had not come together, in a very organic way, to protect favorite outdoor spaces… www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/22/b... @marthajross.bsky.social @mercurynews.com
Why Bay Area parks are among the best in the world
Alcatraz, Big Basin, Mount Diablo and more: A brief history of how visionaries and regular people made this metropolitan area home to a specular variety of stunning outdoor spaces
www.mercurynews.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Like 70% because of the California Coastal Commission, maybe the best public agency in existence.
Reposted by Kevin J. Kircher
A comprehensive rundown of the #COP30 shenanigans from @roycerk2.bsky.social. From what I saw, the Colombians were the only ones whose negotiators and civil society groups were on the same page, and they carried the whole world on their shoulders.
November 23, 2025 at 1:40 AM
A comprehensive rundown of the #COP30 shenanigans from @roycerk2.bsky.social. From what I saw, the Colombians were the only ones whose negotiators and civil society groups were on the same page, and they carried the whole world on their shoulders.