Ben Robins
@benrobins.bsky.social
Energy, Tech & Transit nerd
Stands with Ukraine & all fighting tyranny
Happy to argue, but political tribalism = instablock
UK, small boat arrival from Xhitter
Stands with Ukraine & all fighting tyranny
Happy to argue, but political tribalism = instablock
UK, small boat arrival from Xhitter
It's environmentally sound too
Most contractors carefully separate their waste streams to take advantage of the lower-cost inert route.
Which in turn, also makes the residual much easier to process & sort, thus improving overall recycling rates.
Most contractors carefully separate their waste streams to take advantage of the lower-cost inert route.
Which in turn, also makes the residual much easier to process & sort, thus improving overall recycling rates.
November 26, 2025 at 7:46 PM
It's environmentally sound too
Most contractors carefully separate their waste streams to take advantage of the lower-cost inert route.
Which in turn, also makes the residual much easier to process & sort, thus improving overall recycling rates.
Most contractors carefully separate their waste streams to take advantage of the lower-cost inert route.
Which in turn, also makes the residual much easier to process & sort, thus improving overall recycling rates.
Both is IMO apolitical
It simply acknowledges that some people fly flags for football events etc.
It simply acknowledges that some people fly flags for football events etc.
November 23, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Both is IMO apolitical
It simply acknowledges that some people fly flags for football events etc.
It simply acknowledges that some people fly flags for football events etc.
Excellent news
Let's hope it's not just another rumor!
Let's hope it's not just another rumor!
November 20, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Excellent news
Let's hope it's not just another rumor!
Let's hope it's not just another rumor!
Transport is a case of 'could do much better'
We have shovel ready, very high BCR schemes, parked for lack of cash (e.g. Bakeroo extension)
Meanwhile, nonviable (arguably negative BCR) schemes are promoted simply because they don't require gov funding (Heathrow, LTC)
We have shovel ready, very high BCR schemes, parked for lack of cash (e.g. Bakeroo extension)
Meanwhile, nonviable (arguably negative BCR) schemes are promoted simply because they don't require gov funding (Heathrow, LTC)
November 15, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Transport is a case of 'could do much better'
We have shovel ready, very high BCR schemes, parked for lack of cash (e.g. Bakeroo extension)
Meanwhile, nonviable (arguably negative BCR) schemes are promoted simply because they don't require gov funding (Heathrow, LTC)
We have shovel ready, very high BCR schemes, parked for lack of cash (e.g. Bakeroo extension)
Meanwhile, nonviable (arguably negative BCR) schemes are promoted simply because they don't require gov funding (Heathrow, LTC)
SMR will be quicker simply by virtue of being smaller (much less concrete to place etc.)
The saving (at least theoretically) occurs by virtue of reducing non-revenue finance period
I agree it's illogical (personally I would prefer conventional PWR built with direct gov debt) but it's where we are
The saving (at least theoretically) occurs by virtue of reducing non-revenue finance period
I agree it's illogical (personally I would prefer conventional PWR built with direct gov debt) but it's where we are
November 14, 2025 at 11:30 PM
SMR will be quicker simply by virtue of being smaller (much less concrete to place etc.)
The saving (at least theoretically) occurs by virtue of reducing non-revenue finance period
I agree it's illogical (personally I would prefer conventional PWR built with direct gov debt) but it's where we are
The saving (at least theoretically) occurs by virtue of reducing non-revenue finance period
I agree it's illogical (personally I would prefer conventional PWR built with direct gov debt) but it's where we are
The key metrics are cost of debt and time to revenue.
Ultimately SMR may well turn out to be cheaper on both counts, even if less efficient.
FOAK are always late, it's not (just) a SMR issue
Ultimately SMR may well turn out to be cheaper on both counts, even if less efficient.
FOAK are always late, it's not (just) a SMR issue
November 14, 2025 at 11:10 AM
The key metrics are cost of debt and time to revenue.
Ultimately SMR may well turn out to be cheaper on both counts, even if less efficient.
FOAK are always late, it's not (just) a SMR issue
Ultimately SMR may well turn out to be cheaper on both counts, even if less efficient.
FOAK are always late, it's not (just) a SMR issue
It's an engineering solution to a finance problem. The total cost of a conventional reactor is simply too large for commercial funding.
On an incremental basis, SMR won't be cheaper, but the total amount will certainly be less. Faster build should make some savings also.
On an incremental basis, SMR won't be cheaper, but the total amount will certainly be less. Faster build should make some savings also.
November 14, 2025 at 7:19 AM
It's an engineering solution to a finance problem. The total cost of a conventional reactor is simply too large for commercial funding.
On an incremental basis, SMR won't be cheaper, but the total amount will certainly be less. Faster build should make some savings also.
On an incremental basis, SMR won't be cheaper, but the total amount will certainly be less. Faster build should make some savings also.
For sure, clearer messaging from the top is needed.
It's the 'unable to reach consensus' bit that made me chuckle.
It's the 'unable to reach consensus' bit that made me chuckle.
November 12, 2025 at 2:53 AM
For sure, clearer messaging from the top is needed.
It's the 'unable to reach consensus' bit that made me chuckle.
It's the 'unable to reach consensus' bit that made me chuckle.
Not surprising at all.
It's really not a very top-down org, this is something that IME is very much embedded in BBC culture.
Because independence is considered by many to be sacrosanct.
It's really not a very top-down org, this is something that IME is very much embedded in BBC culture.
Because independence is considered by many to be sacrosanct.
November 11, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Not surprising at all.
It's really not a very top-down org, this is something that IME is very much embedded in BBC culture.
Because independence is considered by many to be sacrosanct.
It's really not a very top-down org, this is something that IME is very much embedded in BBC culture.
Because independence is considered by many to be sacrosanct.
The push for bimodes everywhere was entirely Chris Grayling's decision, and that decision alone has made the business case for further electrification much more difficult.
It was largely due to Tory voting NIMBYs not cost. In fact according to the Audit Commission GWEP review, bimodes costs more.
It was largely due to Tory voting NIMBYs not cost. In fact according to the Audit Commission GWEP review, bimodes costs more.
November 9, 2025 at 6:33 PM
The push for bimodes everywhere was entirely Chris Grayling's decision, and that decision alone has made the business case for further electrification much more difficult.
It was largely due to Tory voting NIMBYs not cost. In fact according to the Audit Commission GWEP review, bimodes costs more.
It was largely due to Tory voting NIMBYs not cost. In fact according to the Audit Commission GWEP review, bimodes costs more.
Yep, the course is set and Farrage knows exactly what's coming.
Asylum backlog (and thus use of hotels) will fall away much sooner than expected
That's IMO why Farage increasingly tries to shift goalposts with unpopular extreme ideas like reimigration & deals with the Taliban
It's an act of desperation as he is cornered politically by events beyond his control
That's IMO why Farage increasingly tries to shift goalposts with unpopular extreme ideas like reimigration & deals with the Taliban
It's an act of desperation as he is cornered politically by events beyond his control
October 30, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Yep, the course is set and Farrage knows exactly what's coming.
Here's a couple that do industrial heat among other things:
Clade (Bristol)
Star Refrigeration (UK wide)
Clade (Bristol)
Star Refrigeration (UK wide)
October 30, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Here's a couple that do industrial heat among other things:
Clade (Bristol)
Star Refrigeration (UK wide)
Clade (Bristol)
Star Refrigeration (UK wide)
It's also a nice job creation scheme, and effectively additional new housing supply (albeit temporary in both cases)
October 27, 2025 at 4:22 PM
It's also a nice job creation scheme, and effectively additional new housing supply (albeit temporary in both cases)
Isn't the same bill needed for NPR? That fact can give political cover to leave the HS2 bit open, without dealing with the argument of a declared commitment to reinstatement.
This I suspect will be Heidi Alexander's preferred stance, as there are a few clues indicative of further scope.
This I suspect will be Heidi Alexander's preferred stance, as there are a few clues indicative of further scope.
October 27, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Isn't the same bill needed for NPR? That fact can give political cover to leave the HS2 bit open, without dealing with the argument of a declared commitment to reinstatement.
This I suspect will be Heidi Alexander's preferred stance, as there are a few clues indicative of further scope.
This I suspect will be Heidi Alexander's preferred stance, as there are a few clues indicative of further scope.
I've noticed that bots driven by AI are often a bit thick.
Can't argue with stupid.
Can't argue with stupid.
October 26, 2025 at 11:47 PM
I've noticed that bots driven by AI are often a bit thick.
Can't argue with stupid.
Can't argue with stupid.
In other words, about 0.44% error rate
October 25, 2025 at 10:51 AM
In other words, about 0.44% error rate
Failing Grayling screwed the business case for full electrification by ordering these trains.
October 19, 2025 at 5:41 AM
Failing Grayling screwed the business case for full electrification by ordering these trains.
Well the US gun lobby started the 'London has fallen' thing.
Then American tourists (ones who've actually been to Europe) started to point out that's utterly absurd.
So here we are.
Then American tourists (ones who've actually been to Europe) started to point out that's utterly absurd.
So here we are.
October 19, 2025 at 5:26 AM
Well the US gun lobby started the 'London has fallen' thing.
Then American tourists (ones who've actually been to Europe) started to point out that's utterly absurd.
So here we are.
Then American tourists (ones who've actually been to Europe) started to point out that's utterly absurd.
So here we are.
You just highlighted why Trump spouts shite 24/7.
It's IMO a deliberate and calculated strategy to allow him to do outrageous things, because people get immune to his insanity.
It's IMO a deliberate and calculated strategy to allow him to do outrageous things, because people get immune to his insanity.
October 19, 2025 at 5:07 AM
You just highlighted why Trump spouts shite 24/7.
It's IMO a deliberate and calculated strategy to allow him to do outrageous things, because people get immune to his insanity.
It's IMO a deliberate and calculated strategy to allow him to do outrageous things, because people get immune to his insanity.
Lets talk about the price of Big Macs
October 17, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Lets talk about the price of Big Macs
The simple way to debunk Claire's argument is to refer to the EPEX spot price, which is most often set by gas.
It's not anywhere near £55
It's not anywhere near £55
October 9, 2025 at 6:45 AM
The simple way to debunk Claire's argument is to refer to the EPEX spot price, which is most often set by gas.
It's not anywhere near £55
It's not anywhere near £55
In fairness though, EWR is one of few rail schemes Reeves has actually continued to fund. And electrification of EWR was descoped under the previous government.
So I'd be more concerned, about pausing MML.
So I'd be more concerned, about pausing MML.
October 1, 2025 at 1:45 PM
In fairness though, EWR is one of few rail schemes Reeves has actually continued to fund. And electrification of EWR was descoped under the previous government.
So I'd be more concerned, about pausing MML.
So I'd be more concerned, about pausing MML.
How much beef do we import from the USA?
There's your answer
Another meaningless photo-op for Trump
There's your answer
Another meaningless photo-op for Trump
September 17, 2025 at 4:57 AM
How much beef do we import from the USA?
There's your answer
Another meaningless photo-op for Trump
There's your answer
Another meaningless photo-op for Trump
It appears that a significant number of Reform voters are uniquely susceptible to Russian disinformation.
Some Orwellian levels of doublethink in those numbers.
Some Orwellian levels of doublethink in those numbers.
September 13, 2025 at 12:09 AM
It appears that a significant number of Reform voters are uniquely susceptible to Russian disinformation.
Some Orwellian levels of doublethink in those numbers.
Some Orwellian levels of doublethink in those numbers.
These problems would basically go away, if gilt markets didn't have to price in the possibility of Nigel Farage becoming PM.
September 2, 2025 at 1:26 AM
These problems would basically go away, if gilt markets didn't have to price in the possibility of Nigel Farage becoming PM.