TFTC: A Bitcoin Podcast Bitcoin Mining Pool (de)Centralization | Mark Artymko, Center of Hash E004
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Aug 26, 2025 Mark Artymko, President and Co-Founder of Ocean, brings two decades of experience as an electrical engineer to the discussion. He dives into the pressing issue of Bitcoin mining pool centralization and how Ocean aims to reverse that trend. Mark emphasizes the importance of miners directly controlling their hash rate to maintain Bitcoin's decentralization. He also discusses innovative payout systems and the significance of the Datum protocol in giving miners more autonomy, ultimately promoting a healthier ecosystem for Bitcoin mining.
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Two Decades In Grid Operations
- Mark Artymko spent ~20 years designing and operating high-voltage utility systems before Bitcoin mining.
- He worked in Ontario control rooms managing ~20,000 MW and learned grid complexity firsthand.
Bitcoin As Grid Flexibility
- Bitcoin miners act as a flexible load that can be turned off to protect grid frequency and avoid brownouts.
- Mark calls mining "God's gift" to operators because it cheaply provides controllable load relief.
Mining Near Generators Lowers Costs
- Co-locating miners next to generation cuts transmission costs and line losses and can monetize stranded generation.
- Mining can enable generators to earn revenue while waiting for transmission permits to clear.