{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Not Your Father’s Data Center","title":"Solar Power's Role in the Future of Digital and Energy Infrastructure","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/c6d470db\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2654,"description":"In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Customer Officer at Compass Data Centers, sits down with Dan Cook, founder and Managing Director of Solar Stone. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Dan Cook brings a diverse background rooted in commodities and metals trading before moving into utility-scale solar and battery development, overseeing projects totaling approximately 2 gigawatts.\nThe conversation spans the dramatic growth in data center power demand, including how this surge has challenged both generation and transmission infrastructure. Dan Cook provides context from his energy brokerage and commodity experience, discussing supply chain constraints, queue backlogs for new generation assets, and the complexities of interconnection.\nKey themes include the impact of speculative projects on development timelines, the evolving landscape of long-duration storage technologies, and the role of federal incentives in renewable energy. The discussion also covers PR challenges for data centers, grid-connected versus behind-the-meter solutions, and the nuanced relationship between data center developers, utilities, and end users.\nTimestamped Overview:\n00:00 Rising demand for copper mining\n06:11 Challenges in energy transmission\n09:50 Challenges with data center power needs\n11:04 Challenges for Data Center Development\n16:12 Land strategy for renewable projects\n18:24 Challenges in grid development collaboration\n22:14 Rise of renewable energy in data centers\n25:09 Discussing project site opportunities\n27:58 Focusing on regional solar projects\n32:53 Utility procurement and renewable energy trends\n36:28 Long duration energy storage\n38:27 Federal tax credits discussion\n43:33 Discussing solar energy basics","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/RXpUKjFAoV_3f-mxnboQocsKDB9VaG8WJ0_7eYXXgB0/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jZmI5/ODRlMjU4Zjg3ODM4/ZDJlOWUzMDhiNWUw/YzI1Mi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}