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John Belizaire, the founder and CEO of Soluna Computing, joins the show to do a deep dive on how cryptocurrency mining and blockchain technology impact the grid. You’ve probably seen the headlines and the narrative is that the computing power required to run these technologies places a huge strain on the grid. Well, John recently testified before Congress on the topic of cleaning up crypto mining and the energy impact of blockchains … and his opinion might surprise you. In fact, his viewpoint turns that narrative on its head.
John also discusses how sustainable computing is becoming yet another tool renewables developers and utilities can use to enhance grid resiliency and improve the financial performance of power generation projects. In short, John believes computing can become part of the grid … rather than just something that demands power from the grid.
Highlights:
(2:02) – Why the narrative around cryptocurrency mining is wrong.
(6:22) – The debate around ‘proof of work’ versus ‘proof of stake’
(10:47) – On testifying before the US Congress.
(16:00) – How renewables and cryptocurrency mining can help power each other.
(20:40) – How computing can become part of the grid.
(23:21) – The intersection of sustainable computing and battery storage.
(27:24) – John’s bold predictions.