FEG Investment
Advisors

Hungry, Hungry, Hyperscalers with Scott Harlan

On this episode, Hungry, Hungry Hyperscalers, we discuss the digital world's insatiable need for energy. How will the AI transition be powered? How do we combine the growing need for energy with a desire for more renewables? Does this impact grid reliability? Can batteries plug the gap? Hear all of this and more with our most recent guest, Scott Harlan.


Join FEG CIO Greg Dowling and Scott Harlan, Managing Partner and Founder of Rockland Capital, as they discuss the power industry's critical role in supporting the digital and AI-driven economy. From meter reader to private equity principal, Scott shares his journey and insights on energy challenges, the need for a balanced energy mix, and the shift to private sector investments.

Scott addresses the power needs of AI-driven data centers, battery technology, and the importance of gas-fired plants. He explores the impact of politics on energy policy and highlights Rockland Capital's strategy in developing and improving energy projects.

Tune in for insights on navigating the evolving power industry and the role of private equity in driving the energy transition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Harlan highlights the necessity of balancing the energy mix, including traditional and renewable energy sources with battery storage. While more new power generation needs to be built, another huge component is extending the life of existing plants.
  • The shift from regulated utilities to the private sector is explored, with Harlan explaining how the private sector's desire for better efficiency and risk management drives investment.
  • Harlan delves into the power requirements of data centers, especially those driven by AI, and the challenges of connecting these facilities to the grid, proposing ideal power solutions to ensure reliability and meet ESG goals.

 

Episode Chapters
 0:00 Introduction
 0:29 Episode Introduction
 1:02 Scott Harlan and Rockland Capital
 4:53 Operating Challenges and Meeting Energy Demands
 9:43 Investment and Risk in Power Generation
 13:05 Powering the Digital Age and AI Needs
 19:56 Utilities and Battery Technology
 23:24 Political Impact on Energy Policy
 26:31 Investment Strategy in Energy
 31:51 Exit Strategies and Market Aggregation
 34:37 Impact of Higher Interest Rates
37:49 Personal Anecdotes from the Field

 

Disclosures

This information was prepared by Fund Evaluation Group, LLC (FEG), a federally registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, providing non-discretionary and discretionary investment advice to its clients on an individual basis. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Fund Evaluation Group, LLC, Form ADV Part 2A & 2B can be obtained by written request directed to: Fund Evaluation Group, LLC, 201 East Fifth Street, Suite 1600, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Attention: Compliance Department.

This information is prepared for informational purposes only. It does not address specific investment objectives, or the financial situation and the particular needs of any person who may receive this presentation. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed in this report constitutes an offer, or an invitation to make an offer, to buy or sell any securities.

The information herein was obtained from various sources. FEG does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information provided by third parties. The information in this presentation is given as of the date indicated and believed to be reliable. FEG assumes no obligation to update this information, or to advise on further developments relating to it.