Transmission

How Bitcoin can support the grid with Jamie McAvity (CEO @ Cormint)

11 snips
Feb 29, 2024
Exploring how Bitcoin mining in West Texas can support the grid by utilizing excess energy. Jamie McAvity discusses the business model of a bitcoin mining facility, the prevalence of negative pricing in Texas, and the relationship between Bitcoin mining and the power grid. The conversation also delves into the potential national security implications of Bitcoin mining in Texas.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Why Fort Stockton Is Curtailment Capital

  • Fort Stockton is the national curtailment capital with over a million MWh curtailed in Pecos County in 2022.
  • Cheap land, high wind and solar capacity and proximity to Permian Basin make it ideal for low-cost power users like Bitcoin mines.
INSIGHT

How Tax Credits Create Negative Power Prices

  • Negative prices occur because renewable projects receive a ~$27/MWh production tax credit, so operators prefer to generate even into negative LMPs to secure credits.
  • Tax equity investors' operating agreements can require generation down to roughly -$26/MWh, distorting local price signals.
ANECDOTE

Repurposing A Decommissioned Wind Farm Into A Mine

  • Cormint bought a decommissioned 2008 wind farm, removed turbines and repurposed the substation and 138kV line into a data center.
  • They run up to 60MW now and plan 120MW, operating as a real-time price taker that powers down when nodal prices spike.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app