Transmission Unlocking stranded renewables with Bitcoin and data centers with Brock Petersen (Satoshi Energy)
As demand for electricity skyrockets, large flexible loads like data centers and Bitcoin miners are reshaping how – and where – energy infrastructure is built. But integrating these loads into a grid already under pressure requires a rethink of both project development and power market participation.
In this episode of Transmission, Quentin is joined by Brock Petersen, COO at Satoshi Energy, to unpack how digital infrastructure is co-locating with renewables – and why that could unlock new opportunities for grid flexibility and clean energy investment.
From the load profiles of AI data centers to the geographic arbitrage of Bitcoin mining, this episode explores what these emerging industries mean for grid planning, transmission bottlenecks, and the economics of new build generation.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How co-location unlocks stranded renewables: Why pairing flexible data center load with renewable assets helps monetize energy that would otherwise go unused.
- Bitcoin vs. AI load profiles: The key differences in cooling needs, flexibility, and infrastructure requirements.
- ERCOT’s load boom: What 135 GW of new load requests means for one of the world’s most dynamic power markets.
- The role of transmission and interconnection queues: How load-following strategies could help relieve pressure on grid infrastructure.
- What utilities and developers should know: Insights for navigating site selection, market design, and emerging opportunities in flexible load integration.
About our guest
Brock Petersen is the Chief Operating Officer of Satoshi Energy, a Houston-based energy technology company pioneering the integration of renewable energy with data center operations. Brock leads the company's strategy and execution, focusing on co-locating flexible data center loads with renewable energy assets. Satoshi Energy has secured over 467 MW in contracted projects and is developing an additional 2,000 MW pipeline, aiming to enhance grid reliability and support sustainable energy investments. For more information, check out their website.
About Modo Energy
Modo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.
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