What it is
Volts, founded by journalist David Roberts, delivers in-depth longform analysis and interviews covering clean energy policy and technology. Roberts has decades of experience at Grist and Vox, and his newsletter and podcast have become essential reading for energy professionals, policymakers, and investors.
Why we picked this
Roberts writes the most analytically rigorous energy policy analysis available outside academic journals, but in accessible language. His deep dives into topics like utility reform, permitting, and grid interconnection queues cover material that no other journalist touches at this depth.
Key takeaways
- Roberts covers the policy and regulatory details (permitting reform, utility business models, grid planning) that determine whether clean energy deployment accelerates or stalls.
- The newsletter operates on a free/paid model, with substantial free content and paid subscriptions supporting independent journalism.
- With decades of experience covering energy and climate at Grist and Vox, Roberts brings institutional knowledge that newer climate journalists cannot replicate.