EnergyTech Podcast

Opsite Energy
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

Energy Innovation meets Industrial Technology: There is finally a podcast that balances technical depth with real-world applicability for field teams, operations groups, and senior leaders who want to see a real return on technology , IiOT, and AI Investments

  1. 4h ago

    Data Centers, MQTT, AI & the Unified Namespace with Arlen Nipper

    What does it take to build an AI-ready data center? Recorded live from Inductive Automation's Data Center Discovery Day 2026, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with Arlen Nipper, President and Co-Founder of Cirrus Link and one of the original creators of MQTT. The conversation explores why the Unified Namespace (UNS) has become the foundation for modern industrial data architectures, why context matters more than raw data, and how organizations should prepare operational technology for AI. Topics include MQTT, Sparkplug, Ignition Edge, legacy protocols, data contextualization, edge computing, AI adoption, alarm analysis, and the future of real-time industrial operations. Whether you're designing industrial automation systems, operating data centers, managing SCADA infrastructure, or building AI applications for OT, this episode provides practical guidance from one of the industry's leading innovators. Topics Covered - Unified Namespace (UNS) - MQTT architecture - Sparkplug Version 4 updates - Ignition & Ignition Edge - AI readiness for industrial operations - Data contextualization - Edge computing - Legacy Modbus integration - Single Source of Truth About Our Guest Arlen Nipper is President and Co-Founder of Cirrus Link and one of the original creators of MQTT. For decades, Arlen has helped shape industrial communications, real-time data architectures, and the evolution of Unified Namespace concepts used throughout manufacturing, energy, utilities, and now modern AI-driven data centers. Connect with OpSite Energy 🌐 https://www.opsiteenergy.com Follow OpSite Energy for more conversations around: Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Welcome from Data Center Discovery Day 01:18 Why Unified Namespace Matters 02:33 Common UNS Mistakes 03:05 Creating a Single Source of Truth 05:22 Data Context vs Data Enrichment 06:12 Legacy Protocol Challenges 07:48 Managing Hundreds of Edge Nodes 09:50 When AI Becomes Useful 11:56 AI for Alarm Analysis & Operations 13:00 Operational Blind Spots in Data Centers 15:16 Biggest Integration Challenges 16:42 Sparkplug Version 4 Updates 19:32 Scaling Industrial Data 20:37 Advice for Building a Unified Namespace 22:30 Closing Remarks Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    23 min

  2. 2d ago

    Cisco on Industrial Cybersecurity, AI Readiness & the Future of OT w/ James Risler I Ep 086

    What happens when traditional IT networks collide with operational technology (OT) environments? Recorded live from the ENTELEC 2026 Conference in Galveston, Texas, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with James Rizzler of Cisco Systems to discuss the accelerating convergence of IT and OT, industrial cybersecurity, AI-driven threats, and the future of connected operations. James shares Cisco's perspective on helping OT professionals navigate modern cybersecurity challenges, protecting critical infrastructure, and preparing industrial organizations for the next generation of AI-enabled operations. Topics Include: ⚡ IT/OT convergence and digital transformation ⚡ Industrial cybersecurity best practices ⚡ AI agents and operational technology ⚡ Securing connected industrial environments ⚡ Cisco Cyber Vision and OT visibility ⚡ Network segmentation and defense-in-depth strategies ⚡ The future of the Purdue Model ⚡ AI readiness for industrial organizations ⚡ OT workforce development and training ⚡ Cybersecurity risks in connected operations ⚡ Industrial networking trends and challenges ⚡ Lessons learned from major cyber incidents Whether you're responsible for industrial networking, cybersecurity, SCADA systems, control rooms, automation, or digital transformation, this episode provides valuable insight into securing the future of connected operations. #OTSecurity #Cybersecurity #Cisco #IndustrialAutomation #SCADA #ENTELEC #OperationalTechnology #AI #IndustrialAI #Networking #CriticalInfrastructure #ControlSystems #DigitalTransformation #EnergyTechPodcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:12 James Rizzler's Role at Cisco 02:00 The Growing IT/OT Convergence 03:05 Common Misconceptions Between IT and OT 05:20 How Cisco Bridges IT and OT 06:56 Why OT Security Matters More Than Ever 08:11 Security Best Practices and Segmentation 10:21 Unified Namespace vs Purdue Model 12:35 ENTELEC Conference Takeaways 13:24 The Need for Cybersecurity Demonstration Labs 15:27 AI, AI Agents and Industrial Operations 17:00 Cisco's Approach to AI Training 18:57 The Future of OT Training and Workforce Development 20:17 Cisco Cyber Vision and OT Visibility 21:21 Connectivity and Security Challenges Ahead 22:20 Closing Remarks Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    23 min

  3. Jun 23

    How iGear’s Squeaks Platform Improves Response Time and Operational Visibility I Ep 085

    What happens after an alarm goes off? Recorded live at Inductive Automation's Data Center Discovery Day in Tysons, Virginia, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with Brooks Corfage, Sales & Integrator Program Lead at iGear, to discuss how operational teams can close the gap between event detection and problem resolution. Brooks shares how iGear's Squeaks platform integrates with Ignition to help organizations reduce downtime, improve response times, drive accountability, and create a digital thread around incident management. The conversation explores alarm management, mobile notifications, Microsoft Teams integration, no-code dashboards, and how AI may help optimize operational response workflows in the future. Topics Include: ⚡ Reducing downtime through faster alarm response ⚡ The human response layer in industrial operations ⚡ How Squeaks integrates with Ignition ⚡ Mobile alarm management and incident workflows ⚡ Microsoft Teams integration for operational alerts ⚡ Measuring response time and MTTR improvements ⚡ No-code dashboards for operational teams ⚡ Creating accountability through workflow automation ⚡ Capturing operational data for AI analysis ⚡ Improving visibility into incident resolution processes ⚡ Ignition's growing technology ecosystem ⚡ Future trends in operational intelligence and AI #Ignition #IndustrialAutomation #SCADA #DataCenters #OperationalTechnology #OT #MQTT #DigitalTransformation #AlarmManagement #IndustrialAI #OpsiteEnergy #EnergyTechPodcast #InductiveAutomation #iGear #squeaks Presented by OpSite Energy www.opsiteenergy.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction from Data Center Discovery Day 00:55 Meet Brooks Corfage and iGear 02:02 How iGear Fits into the Ignition Ecosystem 03:39 Solving Operational Blind Spots 05:26 Introducing Squeaks 06:38 Alarm Management and Accountability 07:41 Real-World Customer Use Cases 08:40 Mobile Apps and Microsoft Teams Integration 09:28 AI and Operational Response Optimization 10:20 Measuring Downtime and Response Time Improvements 11:33 Why Data Centers Need Better Alarm Response 12:37 Key Takeaways from Data Center Discovery Day 13:12 The Future of iGear and Ignition Integration 14:36 Getting Started with a Proof of Concept 15:24 No-Code Dashboards and Data Accessibility 17:08 A Family-Built Company with a Long-Term Vision 18:43 Closing Remarks Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    19 min

  4. Jun 17

    98 Years of ENTELEC: Richard Nation on Industry Knowledge, Mentorship & the Future of AI - Ep 084

    What has made ENTELEC one of the most respected organizations in the energy industry for nearly a century? Recorded live at ENTELEC 2026 in Galveston, Texas, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with ENTELEC Lifetime Member Richard Nation to discuss the history of the organization, the importance of industry mentorship, and how knowledge transfer remains critical as the energy sector embraces AI and digital transformation. Richard shares his journey in the oil and gas industry spanning more than 40 years, his first ENTELEC conference in 1984, and the lessons that have shaped generations of automation, SCADA, telecommunications, and operations professionals. The conversation explores why networking remains one of the industry's most valuable assets and how AI should be viewed as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement for experience. Topics Include: ⚡ The history and origins of ENTELEC ⚡ Richard Nation's 40+ year career in oil & gas ⚡ Why networking creates long-term career value ⚡ The evolution of automation and telecommunications ⚡ Preserving institutional knowledge before it is lost ⚡ The importance of mentorship in technical industries ⚡ Lessons learned from nearly a century of ENTELEC history ⚡ Balancing legacy systems with emerging technologies ⚡ AI as an augmentation tool for industry professionals ⚡ The future of ENTELEC and industry education ⚡ Building community among competitors ⚡ Why continuous learning remains critical in energy operations Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, this episode highlights why knowledge sharing, mentorship, and community remain essential to the future of energy and industrial automation. #ENTELEC #EnergyTechPodcast #OilAndGas #IndustrialAutomation #SCADA #DigitalTransformation #ArtificialIntelligence #IndustrialAI #Telecommunications #EnergyIndustry #OperationsTechnology #Automation Chapters 00:00 Introduction from ENTELEC 2026 00:18 Meet ENTELEC Lifetime Member Richard Nation 01:14 Richard's 40+ Year Career in Oil & Gas 01:57 Lessons from His First ENTELEC Event in 1984 03:04 The Value of Networking and Industry Relationships 04:03 Leadership and Service on the ENTELEC Board 05:03 How Industry Learning Has Changed Over Time 06:03 Preserving Knowledge Through Mentorship 06:55 The Origins and History of ENTELEC 08:28 The Evolution of SCADA, Automation & Telecommunications 09:33 Learning from Legacy Systems and New Technology 09:58 AI's Impact on the Industry 11:00 AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement 12:40 Experience Versus Artificial Intelligence 13:07 Richard's Vision for the Future of ENTELEC 14:27 Lighting the Fire for the Next Generation 15:19 ENTELEC Conferences and Industry Events 17:14 Community, Learning and Opportunity 17:49 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    20 min

  5. Jun 10

    How MQTT Became the Backbone of Modern Industrial Data Infrastructure- Arlen Nipper - Ep 082

    What does the future of industrial data architecture look like? In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live from ENTELEC 2026 in Galveston, Texas, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with MQTT co-inventor and Cirrus Link President, Arlen Nipper, to discuss the evolution of MQTT, the next generation of Sparkplug, and why a Unified Namespace is becoming the foundation for AI-ready industrial operations. Topics include: ⚡ The future of MQTT and Sparkplug C ⚡ Native Sparkplug-enabled PLCs, RTUs and flow computers ⚡ Why data centers are driving new growth opportunities ⚡ The rise of the Unified Namespace (UNS) ⚡ Building a true single source of truth ⚡ Data quality and AI readiness ⚡ Sparkplug namespace enhancements and JSON support ⚡ MQTT scalability at enterprise scale ⚡ Industrial AI, agents and operational intelligence ⚡ Chariot MQTT Broker and edge architectures ⚡ Why clustered MQTT brokers can create operational risks ⚡ The future of industrial infrastructure and edge computing Arlen also reflects on receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award and shares his vision for the next phase of industrial digital transformation. Whether you're involved in SCADA, industrial automation, manufacturing, oil & gas, data centers, AI initiatives, or digital transformation, this conversation is packed with insights from one of the pioneers who helped shape modern industrial communications. 🎙️ Presented by OpSite Energy 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on SCADA, MQTT, AI, industrial automation, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and energy technology. Chapters 00:00 Introduction from ENTELEC 2026 00:38 Meet MQTT Co-Inventor Arlen Nipper 01:29 Data Centers and New Growth Opportunities 02:19 Sparkplug Adoption Accelerates 02:52 Introduction to Sparkplug 03:30 The Vision for Native Sparkplug Devices 04:04 Eliminating Data Mapping and Configuration Complexity 05:49 Lifetime Achievement Award Recognition 06:53 Cirrus Link as Industrial Infrastructure 07:52 MQTT Growth Beyond Oil & Gas 09:35 Unified Namespace and Single Source of Truth 11:45 Common MQTT and Sparkplug Mistakes 12:47 What's New in Sparkplug C 14:34 Data Engineering vs Data at the Source 16:24 AI Readiness and Industrial Data Quality 17:35 AI, Claude and Industrial Operations 19:01 The Best Role for AI in Industrial Systems 20:00 Looking Back at MQTT Design Decisions 22:32 Cirrus Link's Roadmap for 2026 22:53 Chariot MQTT Broker in Docker 23:03 Why Clustered MQTT Brokers Can Be Risky 25:02 The Future of Edge-Based MQTT Architectures 26:01 Closing Thoughts Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    26 min

  6. Jun 7

    PHMSA Control Room Management Series - Part VIII Internal Communications and Manual Ops - Ep 072

    In Part 8 of the Energy Tech Podcast Control Room Management miniseries, Mike Flores and Daniel Netto discuss one of the most important CRM topics for pipeline operators: internal communication plans and manual operations during SCADA outages. This episode covers what happens when SCADA visibility is lost, why PHMSA expects operators to maintain safe pipeline operations during full or partial outages, and what a strong manual operations plan should include. Topics include: Internal communication plan requirements Manual operations during SCADA failures Partial vs. full SCADA outages Field-to-control-room communication expectations Manual readings, valve lineups, pressure checks, and update frequency Annual testing requirements Tabletop drills and real-world event documentation Lessons learned and CRM recordkeeping Common audit gaps and misconceptions If you manage a control room, support pipeline operations, work in SCADA, or are responsible for PHMSA Control Room Management compliance, this episode provides practical guidance for building and testing a defensible internal communication and manual operations plan. 00:00 Introduction to Part 8 of the CRM Miniseries 01:13 What Happens When SCADA Fails? 03:29 Why PHMSA Cares About Manual Operations 04:46 Internal Communication Plan Requirements 07:12 When to Activate the Plan 09:30 What the Plan Must Cover 10:46 Backup Communication Methods 14:53 Field Readings, Valve Lineups, and Update Frequency 18:09 Vague Plans vs. Tested Plans 19:16 Can a Real Outage Count as a Test? 23:48 What Inspectors Focus On 25:37 Annual Testing and Tabletop Drills 30:27 Field Personnel and Controller Roles 34:14 Four-Step Guidance for Operators 36:30 Common Misconceptions 39:02 Partial Outages and Annual Test Coverage 44:10 Building Better CRM Forms and Records 46:34 Key Action Items 47:35 Real-World Best Practices 50:33 Preview of the Next Episode: Backup SCADA Systems Presented by Opsite Energy: www.opsitenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    52 min

  7. Jun 3

    AutoSol’s Suzette McDaniel on MQTT, Women in Energy Tech & the Future of Industrial Automation Ep 80

    In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live at ENTELEC 2026 in Galveston, Texas, Mike Flores and Jeff Perry sit down with Suzette McDaniel, Executive Vice President of Global Business Development at AutoSol. Suzette shares her remarkable 32-year journey at AutoSol, from starting as a receptionist to becoming a senior executive in one of the most recognized companies in industrial automation and SCADA communications. The discussion explores the evolution of industrial technology from OPC to MQTT, the role of customer relationships in long-term business success, the growing convergence of energy, telecommunications, and data centers, and the increasing influence of women in industrial technology leadership. Topics include: ✅ AutoSol's evolution over three decades ✅ MQTT and modern industrial communications ✅ AI's impact on industrial operations ✅ ENTELEC's role in industry education and innovation ✅ Energy, telecom, and data center convergence ✅ Women in industrial technology leadership ✅ Building professional communities and mentorship ✅ Industrial automation trends for 2026 and beyond ✅ AutoSol's new MQTT broker initiative ✅ The future of digital transformation in OT environments Whether you're involved in SCADA, industrial automation, energy operations, telecommunications, OT cybersecurity, or digital transformation, this episode provides valuable insight from one of the industry's most experienced leaders. 🎙️ Presented by OpSite Energy #IndustrialAutomation #SCADA #MQTT #AutoSol #ENTELEC #DigitalTransformation #EnergyTech #IndustrialIoT #OT #automation 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 00:50 Suzette McDaniel's 32-Year Journey at AutoSol 02:15 How Industrial Technology Has Changed 02:58 AI's Growing Role in Industrial Operations 03:20 ENTELEC's Impact on Industry Education 05:20 Innovation Labs & Industry Collaboration 06:30 What's Next for ENTELEC? 07:15 Energy, Telecom & Data Center Convergence 08:00 Women in Industrial Technology Leadership 10:00 Building Industry Communities & Mentorship 11:45 Why Diverse Perspectives Matter 13:15 Leadership, Relationships & Business Development 14:20 AutoSol's MQTT Broker Initiative 15:00 Final Thoughts from ENTELEC 2026 🎙️ Presented by OpSite Energy 🌐 www.opsiteenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    16 min

  8. Jun 1

    How Opto 22 Powers AI-Ready Data Centers with MQTT & Unified Namespace - Ep 079

    In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live at Inductive Automation's Data Center Discovery Day 2026 in Tysons, Virginia, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with Benson Hougland, Vice President of Product Strategy and Marketing at Opto 22. The discussion explores how data centers are evolving into AI factories, the growing importance of edge computing, MQTT, Unified Namespace (UNS), cybersecurity, and why contextualized data is critical for AI-driven operations. Benson shares insights from Opto 22's decades of experience in industrial automation, telecommunications, and edge computing, explaining how organizations can build scalable, secure, and AI-ready architectures. Topics include: ✅ Data Centers as AI Factories ✅ MQTT and Sparkplug B Architectures ✅ Unified Namespace (UNS) Strategies ✅ Edge Computing and Data Contextualization ✅ Cybersecurity and Zero-Trust Architectures ✅ Decoupled Publish-Subscribe Systems ✅ AI Readiness in Industrial Operations ✅ Ignition Edge and Industrial Ecosystems ✅ Operational Technology (OT) and Enterprise Integration ✅ Scaling Industrial Infrastructure for AI If you're involved in industrial automation, SCADA, data centers, AI infrastructure, manufacturing, or digital transformation, this episode provides practical insights into building the next generation of operational technology architectures. 🎙️ Presented by OpSite Energy 🌐 Insight Driven Remote Optimization #DataCenters #AI #MQTT #UnifiedNamespace #UNS #EdgeComputing #IndustrialAutomation #SCADA #Ignition #Opto22 #IIoT #DigitalTransformation #energytechpodcast 00:00 Introduction & Data Center Discovery Day 2026 00:59 How Data Centers Have Changed in One Year 02:06 Data Centers as AI Factories 03:17 Opto 22's History in Telecom & Infrastructure 05:57 MQTT Growth in Data Centers 06:33 Unified Namespace & Edge Computing 07:18 Data Democratization & Contextualized Data 09:10 Energy, Tokens & Business Visibility 10:17 Why the Edge Matters 12:22 Common Edge Architecture Mistakes 13:21 Decoupling Systems with MQTT 15:52 Cybersecurity Benefits of Publish-Subscribe Architectures 18:28 AI in Operations: Hype vs Reality 20:40 Opto 22's Role in AI-Ready Infrastructure 21:35 Connecting Technology to Business Outcomes 22:36 The Power of Industrial Ecosystems 24:16 What's Next for Opto 22? 25:01 Closing Remarks Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    25 min
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About

Energy Innovation meets Industrial Technology: There is finally a podcast that balances technical depth with real-world applicability for field teams, operations groups, and senior leaders who want to see a real return on technology , IiOT, and AI Investments

Information

  • Creator
    Opsite Energy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    EnergyTech Podcast