In this powerful episode of The Emerge21 Show, Chris & Alan sit down with Niall Burke, mechanical engineer, lecturer, renewable energy expert, and Bitcoin educator, to unpack the critical intersection between Bitcoin mining, renewable energy, and proof of work.Follow Niall Burke - @nialljburke on Xhttps://t.co/BlCYuTfphhhttps://t.co/Z8vtCqNdnShttps://t.co/kjegjpPPjWNiall shares his deep insights into how Bitcoin mining can unlock stranded and curtailed energy, especially in Ireland’s growing renewable sector. Together, they explore the misunderstood concept of proof of work, Bitcoin’s role in creating a fair and decentralised monetary system, and why Bitcoin is not just a financial tool but an energy and freedom technology.We also dive into the challenges and opportunities for integrating Bitcoin mining with wind, solar, and anaerobic digestion, and discuss why Ireland risks falling behind if it doesn't embrace Bitcoin as a solution to its renewable energy challenges.If you've ever wondered about Bitcoin’s energy use, how Bitcoin mining supports the grid, or why proof of work is essential for sound money, this is a must-listen conversation that will challenge mainstream narratives and inspire new thinking about Bitcoin's role in society.🔑 Key Topics & Timestamps:0:00 — Introduction: Humility, learning Bitcoin, and overcoming imposter syndrome2:00 — Bringing Bitcoin to new audiences: Engineering, energy, and proof of work5:00 — The misunderstood value of proof of work: Energy, effort, and value creation10:00 — Bitcoin & Renewable Energy: How Bitcoin aligns with wind, solar, and surplus energy14:00 — Challenges in Ireland’s renewable energy integration and the curtailment problem18:00 — Bitcoin mining as a solution to wasted energy — the mechanics of energy curtailment22:00 — Private grid regulations in Ireland: Barriers to local Bitcoin mining operations26:00 — Examples of Bitcoin mining from anaerobic digesters in Northern Ireland30:00 — Bitcoin mining globally: What Ireland can learn from Texas and beyond35:00 — Bitcoin and Ireland’s energy future: Making a case to policymakers38:00 — Nuclear energy in Ireland: Pros, cons, and public perception42:00 — Energy, freedom, and prosperity: The link between energy use and economic development48:00 — Bitcoin as a freedom technology: The philosophical roots of Bitcoin52:00 — Addressing misconceptions about Bitcoin’s energy use and mining’s environmental impact56:00 — The future of Bitcoin mining in Ireland: What needs to change and how to get there1:00:00 — Closing thoughts: Bitcoin as an inevitable force and Ireland’s role in the global landscape🔥 More From Emerge21:🌐 Website: https://emerge21.com🐦 Twitter/X: @Emerge21📩 Join our email list for updates!💬 What do you think about Bitcoin adoption in the UK? Comment below and let’s discuss! 👇