Reading List 08/01/26

Pepper-spray drones, China’s chip Manhattan Project, Commonwealth Fusion’s fundraise, and a proposed Dulles Airport renovation.

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Why Is Everyone Trying to Build a Solid-State Battery?

A battery technology that’s getting a lot of attention is solid-state batteries, lithium-ion batteries that replace the liquid electrolyte with a solid material.

Brian Potter·Jul 30, 2026

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Reading List 07/25/26

China’s EV subsidies, the future of aeroderivative gas turbines, a US-Saudi nuclear deal, defective roadway guardrails, and more.

Brian Potter·Jul 25, 2026

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Can We Lower Construction Costs with Cheaper Labor or Materials?

Last time in our series on the nature of the construction productivity problem, we looked at economies of scale, finding that capturing economies of scale in homebuilding is difficult.

Brian Potter·Jul 23, 2026

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Reading List 07/18/26

A setback for California Forever, a $500 million artillery shell plant not producing any shells, the difficulty of recycling EV batteries, manufacturing wire harnesses, and more.

Brian Potter·Jul 18, 2026

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How Predictable Are Laws?

An enormous amount of ink has been spilled (some of it by me) on the trials and tribulations of complying with the National Environmental Policy Act, better known as NEPA.

Brian Potter·Jul 16, 2026

Construction Physics

Reading List 07/11/26

Adults living with their parents, Samsung’s profits, Native American data centers, Puerto Rico’s electricity grid, and more.

Brian Potter·Jul 11, 2026