3 chapters across the catalog
The hosts discuss the potential for data centers to utilize stranded energy, such as methane gas currently being flared off in oil fields. This leads to a conversation about personal energy independence in Texas following Winter Storm Uri in 2021. Both hosts share their investments in solar power and whole-house generators to mitigate the unreliability of the state's power grid.
UK Energy Crisis, Price Cap, Russian Gas Flaring
The UK energy regulator Ofgem announces a massive increase in the energy price cap, leading to fears that 70% of British pubs could close. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Russia is flaring off excess natural gas that it is no longer shipping to Europe.
NPR Crypto Errors, Bitcoin Flared Gas Mining
NPR's coverage of cryptocurrency is criticized for conflating "blockchain" with high energy consumption, which primarily applies only to Proof-of-Work mining like Bitcoin. A report from a Wyoming senator explains how Bitcoin miners are using "flared gas" (wasted methane from oil wells) to power mobile mining rigs. While Dvorak expresses skepticism about the technical feasibility of using unrefined flare gas, Curry notes it is a growing multi-million dollar industry that also helps stabilize the Texas power grid.
