The Emergent Grid: Lessons From Africa for America’s Energy Future

Summary

In this conversation, Erik Hersman discusses the critical role of energy in driving productivity, health care, and education, particularly in rural communities in Africa. He highlights the challenges faced in utilizing excess energy generated in these areas and presents innovative solutions through his company, Gridless. The discussion transitions into the concept of the emergent grid, which aims to connect renewable energy generation with flexible computing loads to optimize energy use. Finally, Hersman draws parallels between energy challenges in Africa and the US, emphasizing the need for intelligent energy systems that can adapt to variable supply and demand.

Takeaways

Energy is essential for productivity and health care.

Rural communities often struggle to utilize excess energy.

Gridless acts as an economic shock absorber for communities.

The emergent grid connects renewable energy with computing loads.

600 million people in Africa lack electricity access.

A significant amount of wind energy is wasted in the US.

We need to stop wasting curtailed energy resources.

Intelligent grids can enhance energy distribution efficiency.

Modular energy solutions can be deployed faster and cheaper.

The compute serves as a bridge to a resilient energy future.

Chapters

00:00 The Politicization of Bitcoin and Technology's Role in Society

11:18 bp-introoutro_v2.mp4