In this episode of Energy Newsbeat – Conversations in Energy, host Stu Turley talks with Mikey Lucas, COO & Partner at MSB Global Services and Matrix Data Center, about the future of AI, data centers, and America’s energy dominance.
Mikey shares his journey from self-taught entrepreneur to leading a three-gigawatt data center project powering the AI boom. The discussion covers:
- Why data centers consume power equal to tens of thousands of homes
- The two biggest hurdles: financing and grid power
- How microgrids, nuclear, and behind-the-meter solutions can reshape the industry
- Investment opportunities with 15–20% returns
- Strain from EV adoption and natural gas demand
- America’s aging grid as a national security risk
- The urgent need for skilled labor
A mix of big-picture strategy and real-world solutions, this episode explores where AI, energy, and investment collide—and why skilled trades may fuel America’s next boom.
I am looking forward to more podcasts with Mikey as I learned a lot from our discussion, and loved his get-the-job-done attitude.
Connect with Mikey on his LinkedIn here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikey-lucas/
Book an Appointment with Mikey here:https://site.msbglobalservices.com/mikey-consultation-call-30min
Highlights of the Podcast
00:00 - Intro
00:52 – AI as a Force for Good
02:23 – AI, Energy, and U.S. Dominance
03:02 – What Are Data Centers?
05:30 – Power & Financing: The Big Hurdles
08:56 – ERCOT, Texas, and Nuclear Prospects
10:33 – Investment Opportunities
12:04 – Returns & Infrastructure Funds
14:05 – Public Perception & Rising Bills
15:08 – The Real Problem: Utilities
18:44 – Businesses Must Rethink Energy
19:35 – The EV Strain on the Grid
21:16 – America’s Clean Advantage
23:46 – Solving Problems vs. Talking About Them
25:07 – How to Connect with Mikey
26:01 – Natural Gas Shortages Ahead?
28:43 – The Energy Supercycle
30:46 – The Skilled Labor Crisis
32:37 – Stu’s DIY Microgrid
34:32 – Hard Truths for the Next Generation
35:05 – Closing Thoughts
Check out the Substack here:https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/
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