Our top three questions in the energy transition are depicted below. Hence we have become somewhat obsessed with first principles analysis, to help our clients understand the global energy system, understand new energy technologies and understand key industries. 

It is only by going back to first principles that we can properly answer the questions above, rather than simply extrapolating from the present.

Energy theory from first principles: energy units, thermodynamics, electricity, electrochemistry, magnets and motors and semiconductors.

Decarbonization technologies from first principles: renewables, batteries, EVs, EV charging, lithium batteries, flow batteries, thermal batteries, SSBs, heat pumps, fusion, geothermal, CCS, DAC, blue hydrogen, green hydrogen, electrofuels, biofuels, landfill gas, biomass, biochar, nature.

Energy efficiency technologies from first principles: EROEI, electric vehicles, LED lighting, VFDs, CHPs, insulation, methane mitigation.

Energetic industries from first principles: the internet, industrial gases, hydrogen, ammonia, steel, battery recycling, trucks, transport, compressors.

The new age of electricity from first principles: transmission, transformers, transistors, harmonic filters, capacitors, reactive power.

The new age of volatility due to renewables, geopolitics, politics, policies.

Latest views on global energy, solar innovation, wind recalibration, nuclear, grid bottlenecks, shale and how AI is going to save the world.

Our research notes aim to make smart decision-makers even smarter, covering the key concepts and numbers, while being clear and concise...

TSE's written subscription covers access to all 70 of these research notes. We would be delighted if we can help Cove Street Capital from first principles.

Rob West, CFA, Analyst & CEO, Thunder Said Energy
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