Intelligence
How we build the trackers.
Our conclusions are only as good as the rules that produce them. This is the standard every tracker across the ETA Intel titles is held to.
01First-principles baseline
Every title begins with the physical constraints of the technology: thermodynamic ceilings, materials limits, energy density, and thermal behaviour. These bounds are derived from published physics and peer-reviewed literature, not from vendor projections, and they set the ceiling against which all commercial claims are assessed.
02Source hierarchy
Sources are ranked explicitly. Independently certified measurements rank highest, followed by peer-reviewed publication, regulatory and licensing filings, audited financial disclosure, direct operator interviews, and finally company-supplied material. Where a figure rests on a lower tier, the index says so.
03Verification
Figures that materially affect a tracker reading are corroborated against at least one independent source before publication. Where corroboration is not possible, the figure is published as unverified and labelled as such rather than omitted or silently smoothed.
04Stage labelling
Every data point carries the development stage it refers to: laboratory result, pilot line, qualification, or commercial production. Comparisons are only drawn between points at the same stage, which prevents a record cell result from being read as a shipping product specification.
05Update cadence
Benchmarks are reviewed on a fixed schedule and again whenever a material event occurs: a certified record, a regulatory decision, a capacity commitment, or a programme cancellation. Each tracker page carries its last review date.
06Corrections
Errors are corrected in place with a dated correction note appended to the affected entry. Corrections that change a tracker reading are disclosed at the top of the index for one full review cycle.
07Commercial separation
Advertising, sponsorship, and advisory relationships have no input into how a tracker is built or what it reports. Where a commercial relationship exists with an organisation covered by a title, it is disclosed on the relevant page.
Questions about the methodology?
We publish this standard so it can be challenged. If you believe a reading is wrong or a source is mis-ranked, tell us and we will review it.