Center of Hash: Ep 2 & 3 + News
Friends, the convergence between bitcoin and the energy sector will only continue to accelerate and I wanted to quickly share episodes two and three of my recently launched podcast (Center of Hash) that is part of TFTC as well as a few highly relevant industry headlines from Block, Inc. and Stone Ridge.
First, all the episodes will appear in the TFTC feed of all of your favorite podcasting platforms. For reference, the red TFTC logo in the TFTC feed will mark the Center of Hash episodes so they will be easy to identify going forward if you are interested in catching future episodes. I've also highlighted further below a few of the most important recent headlines that are pertinent to the themes of the podcast, namely Stone Ridge Energy's acquisition of ConocoPhillips assets in Oklahoma and Block Inc.'s (formerly Square) release of their new mining hardware (Proto). I will put these type of summaries out from time to time as we get early episodes out and to flag important news.
Center of Hash, Episode 2
Bitcoin is Not a Battery: Rob Warren, the Head of Research and Education at Bitcoin Park and author of The Bitcoin Miner’s Almanac, discusses the role of bitcoin miners within the bitcoin network, how bitcoin miners help solve problems within energy systems and why bitcoin is most likely to proliferate and drive innovation where there is waste or under utilization of energy assets.
Episode 2 on Apple
Episode 2 on Spotify
Episode 2 on Fountain.fm
Episode 2 on YouTube
Center of Hash, Episode 3
Bitcoin Offtake Unlocks Oil Production: Chris Alfano, co-founder and CEO of 360 Energy, discusses his firm’s strategy as a service company in oil & gas fields, how bitcoin mining is helping to unlock oil production while reducing an environmental liability and how bitcoin is allowing owners and operators with stranded natural gas to monetize an energy asset that would otherwise be wasted or under-utilized.
Episode 3 on Apple
Episode 3 on Spotify
Episode 3 on Fountain.fm
Episode 3 on YouTube
Important Recent News
Stone Ridge Buys Oklahoma Assets from Conoco Phillips
This news is far more relevant than the headline reads. Stone Ridge is a company that is acquiring both natural gas assets and is heavily invested in bitcoin, and not just financially. It's affiliate (NYDIG) actively mines bitcoin on a proprietary basis and recently acquired Crusoe's mining assets. Having a large asset management firm actively acquiring natural gas assets upstream and mining bitcoin is the signal. Ross Stevens, Founder and CEO of Stone Ridge had the following two interesting quotes: "Powered by a uniquely non-fiat focused energy platform, SRE’s investing and operational advantages are accelerating, transforming the energy landscape," said Ross Stevens, Founder & CEO of Stone Ridge. “This acquisition marks a key milestone in our commitment to safeguard sound money while utilizing innovative solutions to efficiently help meet soaring global energy demand.” Keep an eye on this trend and this company.
Block (Formerly Square) Launches Proto
Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) unveiled Proto Rig, a first-of-its-kind modular bitcoin mining system, and Proto Fleet, a free and open-source fleet management software yesterday (August 14th 2025) live and in action at a Core Scientific bitcoin mining site in Norther Georgia (USA). Why is this relevant? Bitcoin mining hardware has long been centralized (dominated by China's Bitmain) and this new hardware by Block, Inc. has long been in the works but is now live. Many have tried to enter this market and failed. It is a huge undertaking and much needed to further decentralization. While its success is still TBD, the early reception by industry experts following the announcement yesterday has been very well received. Check out the resources below.
Block Announcement Press Release
Recording of Livestream Announcement Presentation
Thread by Rob Warren of Bitcoin Park about Proto
I hope you find the two podcast episodes valuable as well as these two pieces of news. Bitcoin and energy will continue to converge and these two headlines are more than just filler news. Each stands to be a game changer in time.
Best, Parker
