The Data Center Gold Rush

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/