{"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.The 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.Key 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.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Rising demand for copper mining06:11 Challenges in energy transmission09:50 Challenges with data center power needs11:04 Challenges for Data Center Development16:12 Land strategy for renewable projects18:24 Challenges in grid development collaboration22:14 Rise of renewable energy in data centers25:09 Discussing project site opportunities27:58 Focusing on regional solar projects32:53 Utility procurement and renewable energy trends36:28 Long duration energy storage38:27 Federal tax credits discussion43:33 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}