Musk’s Meltdown, Renewables Soar, and The Beatles Win With AI!

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Hey everyone, welcome to the third edition of FutureProof - my Tech and Sustainability Digest for 2025.

With so many negative stories in the world in the last couple of weeks logging on to social media, or news apps and doomscrolling is tough going . Fortunately, I found a few good news pieces for you to brighten your day a little, and here they are…

In the News:

Artificial Intelligence

The Beatles Win a Grammy in 2025—With a Little Help from AI
Yes, you read that right—the Beatles just won a Grammy, decades after their last release, thanks to AI-assisted technology. Their song Now and Then took home the award for Best Rock Performance, making history as the first AI-involved track to win a Grammy.

This wasn’t some AI-generated deepfake, though. The track was originally a John Lennon demo from the late ‘70s, but poor audio quality kept it from ever being properly released. Enter Peter Jackson’s team, who used machine learning to isolate Lennon’s voice and clean it up, allowing Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to finish the song. The result? A piece of Beatles history brought back to life.

It’s a fascinating example of how AI can be used to restore and enhance, rather than replace, human creativity. But it also raises questions: If this is where we are now, what does the future of music production look like?

Kismet: AI-powered audio restoration is already making waves outside of music. Filmmakers and historians are using similar techniques to recover lost or degraded recordings, preserving voices from the past that might otherwise be lost forever.

AI Deciphers Ancient Burnt Scrolls After 2,000 Years!
In a remarkable fusion of history and technology, researchers have digitally "unwrapped" a 2,000-year-old scroll from Herculaneum, revealing its contents for the first time since the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This feat was achieved using advanced AI techniques, allowing scholars to read the charred and fragile document without physically opening it. The successful deciphering of this scroll not only provides a glimpse into ancient Roman life but also showcases the incredible potential of AI in the field of archaeology.

Kismet: Did you know that the eruption of Mount Vesuvius not only buried Pompeii but also the nearby town of Herculaneum, where these scrolls were discovered? The intense heat carbonized the scrolls, preserving them in a charred state, which has made them incredibly challenging to study—until now.

Electromobility

Formula E's 600kW Mid-Race Charging Set to Electrify the Track!
As someone who thoroughly enjoyed attending the Formula E finale in Brooklyn back in 2019, I'm thrilled to share this electrifying update: Formula E is finally introducing its much-anticipated 600kW mid-race charging system, dubbed "Pit Boost," at the upcoming Jeddah E-Prix on February 14-15. After several delays, this innovation promises to revolutionize race strategy by incorporating mandatory 34-second pit stops, delivering approximately 10% additional charge to the cars. This rapid boost not only enhances the excitement on the track but also showcases the remarkable advancements in electric vehicle technology.

Kismet: Did you know that the new Gen3 Formula E cars are capable of ultra-fast 600kW charging, faster than any commercially available charging system today? For context my car, a Kia EV3 charges at 135kW. This capability not only allows for these quick mid-race pit stops but also demonstrates the potential for future advancements in both consumer and commercial electric vehicle charging speeds.

Power Outage? Let Your EV Light the Way!
In a recent turn of events, electric vehicle (EV) owners in Ireland used their cars as backup power sources during outages caused by Storm Éowyn. This practical application of vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology allows EVs to supply electricity to homes, keeping essential appliances running when the grid goes down. It's a compelling demonstration of how EVs can offer more than just sustainable transportation—they can also enhance energy resilience. Many EV owners in Florida reported doing this as well during power outages caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton late last year.

Kismet: Did you know that beyond emergency situations, V2H technology could potentially allow EV owners to use their car batteries to power their homes during peak electricity pricing periods, leading to significant cost savings?

Turns Out Going Full Fascist Is Bad for Business—Tesla’s European Sales Plummet
Well, well, well… actions have consequences, even when you're the world's richest edgelord. Tesla's sales in Europe have tanked, and it's not just because of growing competition—it’s a direct response to Elon Musk’s recent political antics. From giving a Nazi salute at the U.S. presidential inauguration to openly embracing Germany’s far-right AfD party, Musk has gone from "tech visionary" to "PR disaster" in record time.

And the numbers? Brutal. January saw Tesla’s German sales nosedive 59%, French sales drop 63%, and the Spanish market crash 75.4%%. It’s clear that European consumers—who overwhelmingly support climate action and democratic values—are walking away.

But here’s the good news: this isn’t an EV problem, it’s a Tesla problem. While Tesla stumbles, other EV makers are surging. Chinese giant BYD is dominating the market with its affordable and feature-packed models, and Hyundai/Kia continue to win over European drivers with excellent efficiency and design. Even legacy automakers like BMW and Volkswagen are stepping up their game.

This is what a healthy EV market looks like—choice, competition, and consequences. You don’t have to support an unhinged billionaire to drive electric. The future is still bright—just with a little less Tesla in it.

Kismet: BYD just overtook Tesla as the world’s biggest EV manufacturer by sales volume. A few years ago, that would’ve seemed impossible. Now? It’s just the natural order of things when one company innovates while the other spends its time posting memes and courting extremists.

Clean Energy

Europe's Renewable Revolution: Fossil Fuels Hit 40-Year Low!
I'm absolutely thrilled to share some electrifying news: the European Union's relentless investment in solar and wind energy has propelled fossil-fuel power generation to its lowest level in four decades! Over the past ten years, coal power usage in the EU has plummeted by a staggering 61%, while solar output has more than tripled, and wind generation has more than doubled. In 2024 alone, solar energy accounted for 11% of the EU's electricity, surpassing coal for the first time.

This monumental shift isn't just a win for the environment; it's also a financial triumph. The surge in renewable energy has saved the EU an estimated €59 billion in fossil-fuel imports over the past five years. Without this green momentum, the EU would have imported an additional 92 billion cubic meters of gas and 55 million tonnes of hard coal, leading to an extra 460 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

This achievement underscores the EU's commitment to a sustainable future and highlights the tangible benefits of embracing renewable energy. It's a powerful reminder that with the right policies and investments, a cleaner, greener future is within our grasp.

Kismet: Did you know that Denmark is leading the charge by transforming the North Sea into the "green power plant of Europe"? With over 80% of Europe's offshore wind capacity connected in the North Sea, plans are underway to increase this to 120GW by 2030 and 300GW by 2050, significantly contributing to the EU's renewable energy goals.

California Proves Renewables' Reliability: A Myth Busted!
In a groundbreaking development, California has shattered the long-standing myth that renewable energy sources are unreliable. A recent study published in the journal Renewable Energy reveals that from late winter to early summer last year, renewables met 100% of the state's electricity demand for up to 10 hours on 98 out of 116 days. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of energy storage solutions, particularly large-scale battery installations, in ensuring a consistent power supply even when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing.

This success not only highlights the feasibility of a renewable-powered grid but also sets a precedent for other regions aiming to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. California's experience demonstrates that with the right infrastructure and investment in energy storage, renewables can provide a reliable and sustainable energy solution.

Kismet: Did you know that during this period, California's renewable energy sources occasionally generated up to 162% of the grid's needs? This surplus allowed the state to export excess electricity to neighboring regions, further promoting clean energy use beyond its borders.

Science

Asteroid Bennu: Cosmic Dust Reveals Life's Building Blocks
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified the chemical building blocks of life within the grainy dust of asteroid Bennu. This analysis provides compelling evidence that the essential components for life can be found throughout the cosmos, offering new insights into the origins of life on Earth.

The findings suggest that asteroids like Bennu may have played a crucial role in delivering life's precursors to our planet, supporting the theory that life's ingredients are widespread in the universe. This discovery not only deepens our understanding of life's beginnings but also fuels excitement about the potential for life elsewhere in the cosmos.

Kismet: Did you know that Bennu is considered a "rubble-pile" asteroid, composed of debris from a larger parent body? This composition makes it a valuable time capsule, preserving materials from the early solar system that can offer clues about the formation of planets and the emergence of life.

Latest Publications

Blog

Microgrids: Powering the Future of Energy Systems
In my latest blog post, I delve into the transformative role of microgrids in our evolving energy landscape. These localised energy systems, often powered by renewables like solar and bolstered by energy storage, are not just a technological innovation—they're a solution to the pressing challenges of climate change and aging infrastructure. Microgrids enhance resilience, reduce emissions, and promote energy sovereignty, especially in underserved communities. By leveraging existing technologies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, microgrids are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

Kismet: Did you know that the International Energy Agency estimates that 70% of global power infrastructure is over 25 years old? This aging infrastructure underscores the need for innovative solutions like microgrids to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply.

Climate Confident

Factory Farming: The Climate Crisis No One’s Talking About
When we talk about climate change, we usually focus on energy, transport, and heavy industry. But what if I told you that factory farming is responsible for up to 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than all the world’s cars, planes, and ships combined?

In this week’s Climate Confident podcast, I sat down with Thom Norman, co-founder of FarmKind, to dive into the uncomfortable truth about industrial animal agriculture. Factory farming isn’t just an animal welfare issue—it’s a climate disaster, a biodiversity killer, and a public health crisis waiting to explode (antibiotic resistance, anyone?).

The reality is, we can’t hit Net Zero without tackling agriculture. But will the $2.3 TRILLION meat industry allow itself to be disrupted? And if so, how do we make it happen?

Sustainable Supply Chain

Warehousing's Green Revolution: Smarter, Leaner, and Greener
In the latest episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I had an enlightening discussion with industry expert Jane Doe about the future of warehousing. We explored how advancements in automation and data analytics are transforming warehouses into more efficient and sustainable hubs. Jane shared insights on the integration of AI-driven systems that optimize inventory management, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste. We also delved into the importance of adopting lean practices to streamline operations and the role of renewable energy sources in powering these modern facilities. It's a compelling conversation that highlights the pivotal role of technology in driving the green transformation of supply chains.

Kismet: Did you know that implementing energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems in warehouses can lead to energy savings of up to 30%? This not only reduces operational costs but also significantly lowers the carbon footprint of supply chain operations.

In upcoming episodes of the podcasts I will be talking to Jarand Rystad, Founder and CEO of Rystad Energy, Paul Magee, President, Application Solutions Division, CGS, and Dr Gemma Green, Founder and Exec Chair of PowerLedger.

Don’t forget to follow the podcasts in your podcast app of choice to ensure you don’t miss any episodes.

Featured Charts

EV sales continue to increase year on year

Not good news, but one to be aware of. If you are interested in the topic of plastics, I have an excellent episode of my Climate Confident podcast on that subject.

EVs are just better than ICE vehicles. By a long shot!

Misc stuff

Hmmm

This would only make sense if some member of the administration had very strong ties to China (like a car factory based there)!

It is great to see Spain winning this competition!

Engage

If you made it this far, well done! If you liked this newsletter, or learned something new, feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends. Encourage folks to sign up for it.

Finally, since being impacted by the tech layoffs, I'm currently in the market for a new role. If you know someone who could benefit from my tech savvy, sustainability, and strong social media expertise, I'd be grateful for a referral.

Finally

Quick explainer of how tariffs work

If you have any comments or suggestions for how I can improve this newsletter, don’t hesitate to let me know. Thanks.

*** Be aware that any typos you find in this newsletter are tests to see who is paying attention! ***

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