Jeremy Almond sits down with Nico Smid, founder of Digital Mining Solutions, to explore the evolving role of Bitcoin mining in global energy and infrastructure systems. Nico shares how his background in international business and policy led him to build portable mining units that support local communities and capture stranded energy. They discuss how Bitcoin mining differs from traditional data centers and AI compute loads, and why its flexible energy demand makes it a powerful tool for grid balancing, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas. Nico also highlights the socioeconomic impact of mining in the Global South, the emergence of public-private partnerships in countries like Bhutan and Ethiopia, and the rise of financial products built on hashrate. This conversation offers a grounded look at the convergence of energy, policy, and Bitcoin infrastructure in 2025.
Timestamps:
00:00 Coming Up…
01:14 Introduction to Nico Smid
03:05 The Current State of Bitcoin Mining and Infrastructure
04:13 Who Are the New Players in the Mining Industry
05:12 What’s the Role of Energy and Renewables in Mining?
09:32 How Mining Can Go Beyond Just Balancing the Grid
11:22 What Role Does the Global South Play in Bitcoin Mining?
12:27 Stranded Energy and Why it Matters?
14:07 How Are Policymakers Now Engaging With Mining?
16:08 What’s Your Prediction for the Future of the Mining Industry?
17:38 Where To Follow Nico
Follow Nico Smid:
LinkedIn: / nicosmid
X: https://x.com/Smidnico
Website: http://satoshipacioli.com/
Follow Jeremy Almond
X: / jeremyalmond