EnergyTech Podcast

Opsite Energy

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. 2D AGO

    Low Bandwidth Video for Critical Infrastructure | Stuart McCone of VideoSoft at ENTELEC - Ep 075

    In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live at ENTELEC 2026 in Galveston, Texas, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with Stuart McCone, Founder and CEO of VideoSoft. Stuart shares how VideoSoft built ultra low-bandwidth video technology designed specifically for harsh industrial environments, remote infrastructure, and mission-critical operations. The conversation dives into: Real-time video over limited bandwidth networks Low latency video for oil & gas operations Edge video processing and compression Drone and BVLOS video applications Video AI and machine learning at the edge OT cybersecurity and encrypted video transport SCADA, telecom, and operational network integration How operators can deploy video reliably in remote environments VideoSoft is actively supporting some of the largest critical infrastructure deployments in North America, including large-scale midstream energy operations where reliable video transport across constrained networks is essential. Topics Covered: ✅ Low-bandwidth video technology ✅ Critical infrastructure communications ✅ BVLOS drone video ✅ Edge AI video analytics ✅ Operational technology (OT) networks ✅ Video compression for harsh environments ✅ Oil & gas telecom infrastructure ✅ Cybersecurity for industrial video systems ✅ Real-time video transport If you're involved in industrial networking, SCADA, OT cybersecurity, drones, video analytics, or remote operations — this episode offers practical insight into how modern video architectures are evolving for industrial environments. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on industrial automation, SCADA, AI, edge computing, OT cybersecurity, and energy technology innovation. #VideoSoft #IndustrialVideo #SCADA #OilAndGas #EdgeComputing #IndustrialAI #ENTELEC #Cybersecurity #BVLOS #OperationalTechnology #IndustrialAutomation #IIoT #energytechpodcast 00:00 – Introduction from ENTELEC 2026 00:36 – Meet Stuart McCone, Founder of VideoSoft 01:06 – Building Video Technology for Harsh Environments 01:58 – The Rise of IoT & Industrial Video 03:09 – Solving Low Bandwidth Video Challenges 03:49 – Critical Infrastructure, Latency & Terrain Challenges 04:41 – Video in 24/7 Industrial Control Rooms 05:32 – How VideoSoft Compresses Video at the Edge 06:13 – Simplicity, Reliability & Cybersecurity 07:40 – Where VideoSoft Fits in OT Architectures 08:20 – “Thread Through a Straw” Video Compression Analogy 09:32 – Real-World Industrial Video Use Cases 10:15 – Defense, Aviation, Drones & Energy Applications 10:30 – 30,000 Camera Deployment with Enterprise Products 11:15 – VideoSoft Platform & Proprietary Protocols 12:07 – BVLOS Drone Video & Remote Operations 13:20 – Extending Drone Operations with Low Bandwidth Video 14:18 – AI & Machine Learning for Industrial Video 15:10 – Connecting Edge AI Detection to Operations 16:42 – The Future of Automation & Video Systems 17:51 – How Customers Deploy VideoSoft 18:30 – Simplifying Deployment for Industrial Operators 19:22 – Scaling Video Technology for Critical Infrastructure 20:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing

    21 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Open BMS, AI at the Edge & Data Center Innovation | Martin Villeneuve of Distech Controls - Ep 074

    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 Martin Villeneuve, President of Distech Controls. Martin shares how Distech Controls evolved from an open BMS innovator into a major player in the rapidly growing data center market. The conversation explores open protocols, edge AI, MQTT, Sparkplug B, Docker-based edge computing, and the convergence of HVAC, electrical systems, and industrial automation inside modern data centers. The team also discusses: Why open architecture matters in industrial systems Data center infrastructure challenges Edge compute and AI-ready building systems Sparkplug B and MQTT integration PLC and DDC convergence MCP (Model Context Protocol) and AI interoperability The future of BMS and industrial data contextualization How Ignition and open-source technologies are changing the market If you're involved in industrial automation, data centers, BMS, SCADA, HVAC, or OT infrastructure, this episode provides a forward-looking discussion on where the industry is heading. 🎙️ Presented by OpSite Energy 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on SCADA, OT, industrial automation, AI, and energy technology. #DataCenters #IgnitionSCADA #MQTT #SparkplugB #EdgeAI #IndustrialAutomation #BMS #SCADA #DataCenterInfrastructure #OTCybersecurity #BuildingAutomation #EnergyTechPodcast Chapters 00:00 – Intro from Data Center Discovery Day 2026 00:19 – Meet Martin Villeneuve of Distech Controls 01:03 – Why Distech is targeting the data center market 01:43 – Launching a new PLC line for data centers 02:21 – Innovation and disruption in BMS technology 03:06 – Open protocols vs proprietary systems 03:54 – Moving fully to BACnet IP architecture 05:20 – Future-proofing legacy customer systems 06:26 – How Distech integrates with Ignition 07:04 – Docker containers, MQTT & edge AI 08:01 – Sparkplug B and open ecosystem development 09:25 – Edge connectivity and legacy protocol integration 10:13 – Native Sparkplug B support roadmap 11:20 – Making industrial data AI-ready 12:15 – Haystack, RealEstateCore & MCP explained 13:18 – Open-source software and Ignition’s ecosystem 14:10 – Reliability and resiliency in critical systems 15:05 – Biggest blind spots in data center infrastructure 16:13 – Integrating HVAC and electrical systems together 17:35 – Lessons from European and Asian data centers 18:16 – Closing thoughts from Data Center Discovery Day Presented by Opsite Energy: www.opsitenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    19 min

  3. MAY 10

    Industrial AI Starts with Better Data | Mike Tilman on Edge Computing & UNS - Ep. 073

    In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live at ENTELEC 2026 in Galveston, Texas, Mike Flores sits down with Mike Tilman — an edge computing innovator and OT/IT integration expert with decades of experience in oil & gas communications, industrial networking, and data infrastructure. Mike shares his journey from early IT consulting in the oilfield to supporting large-scale edge computing and data strategy initiatives for a major energy producer. The conversation dives deep into some of the biggest challenges facing industrial operators today: Unified Namespace (UNS) and contextualized data MQTT, Sparkplug B, and edge architectures OT vs IT integration challenges AI readiness in industrial operations Why “garbage in, garbage out” matters for AI Data lakes, semantic models, and predictive maintenance Industrial cybersecurity and OT risk management The role of ENTELEC as a true industry community If you're involved in SCADA, automation, industrial networking, cybersecurity, AI, or digital transformation in energy — this episode is packed with practical insights from real-world deployments. Topics Covered: ✅ Edge compute in oil & gas ✅ Unified Namespace (UNS) strategies ✅ MQTT & Sparkplug B architectures ✅ OT cybersecurity challenges ✅ AI and industrial data quality ✅ Predictive maintenance & analytics ✅ SCADA modernization ✅ ENTELEC community insights 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on SCADA, automation, industrial AI, OT cybersecurity, and energy technology innovation. #EnergyTechPodcast #UNS #MQTT #IndustrialAI #SCADA #OilAndGas #EdgeComputing #ENTELEC #OperationalTechnology #Cybersecurity #DigitalTransformation #SparkplugB #IndustrialAutomation #OTSecurity #AI 00:00 – Introduction from ENTELEC 2026 00:42 – Meet Mike Tilman: Edge Computing Innovator 01:30 – Mike’s Background in Oil & Gas Technology 02:35 – Supporting Edge Compute & Data Strategy 03:10 – Bridging OT and IT Systems 03:53 – Challenges of Deploying Industrial PCs in OT 05:00 – Balancing Risk vs Value in New Technology 06:03 – Consulting for Operators, Vendors & Integrators 07:00 – Unified Namespace (UNS) Explained 07:47 – Why Contextualized Data Matters for AI 09:00 – Data Engineering vs Proper UNS Design 10:52 – MQTT, Sparkplug B & Report-by-Exception Models 11:44 – Avoiding Rip-and-Replace Architectures 12:40 – Predictive Maintenance & Collecting More Data 14:18 – Why AI Alone Won’t Fix Bad Data 15:21 – “Garbage In, Garbage Out” for AI 16:21 – AI as a Tool, Not the Solution 16:56 – Top 3 Requirements for Industrial AI 18:12 – Mike’s Role with ENTELEC Cybersecurity Committee 18:44 – What Makes ENTELEC Different from Other Conferences 19:29 – Upcoming OT Cybersecurity Webinar Initiative 21:20 – The Value of ENTELEC Membership & Training 22:01 – ENTELEC Fall Seminar in Odessa 23:05 – Closing Thoughts & Final Takeaways Presented by Opsite Energy: www.opsitenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    24 min

  4. MAY 6

    PHMSA Control Room Management Series - Part VII Point To Point Verification - Ep 072

    In Episode 7 of the Energy Tech Podcast Control Room Management (CRM) series, Mike Flores and Daniel Nieto break down one of the most critical — and often misunderstood — requirements in pipeline operations: point-to-point verification. This episode dives into how operators ensure that SCADA data can be trusted — from the field device all the way to the control room screen. When controllers lose trust in their data, alarm response, safety, and operational integrity are all at risk. Daniel shares real-world audit experience and practical guidance on: When point-to-point verification is required (beyond just new installs) How to validate field instruments, communication paths, and SCADA displays The role of alarm verification and safety-related points Common mistakes that lead to audit findings How to properly document and prove compliance during PHMSA audits If you're responsible for SCADA systems, control room operations, or regulatory compliance, this episode gives you a clear, actionable framework to ensure your data is accurate — and defensible. 👉 Subscribe for more CRM insights and real-world operational guidance. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro to CRM Series Part 7: Point-to-Point Verification 00:49 – What is Point-to-Point Verification? 01:17 – Why Trusting SCADA Data Matters 02:06 – End-to-End Verification (Field to SCADA) 03:32 – Regulatory Foundation (PHMSA 192 & 195) 04:30 – Core Concept: Field Devices, Comms, and Display Alignment 06:00 – Audit Expectations: What Inspectors Look For 07:37 – What Does “Thorough” Mean in an Audit? 08:47 – When Point-to-Point is Required (Key Triggers) 10:09 – Changes That Require Verification (Scaling, Mapping, Logic) 11:12 – Rule of Thumb for Triggering Point-to-Point 13:18 – What a Proper Point-to-Point Process Looks Like 13:58 – Communication Path & Data Refresh Rates 15:52 – Tag Mapping & Naming Consistency 17:13 – Alarm Verification & Setpoint Validation 18:21 – Who Should Perform Point-to-Point Testing? 20:34 – Using Synthetic Values When You Can’t Shut Down 22:25 – Objective: Eliminate Mapping, Scaling & Logic Errors 23:31 – Real-World Failure Example (Mismapped Transmitter) 26:27 – Safety-Critical Points to Prioritize 27:52 – Verification Requirements for Safety Logic 29:43 – Documentation & Audit Evidence Requirements 31:41 – Daniel’s 4-Step Compliance Framework 33:35 – Tie Point-to-Point to Management of Change (MOC) 34:53 – Common Misconceptions Explained 35:57 – Is Point-to-Point Just Paperwork? 36:37 – Do You Need to Verify Every Point? 37:42 – Top 3 Takeaways for Operators & Managers 40:17 – Preview of Episode 8: "When Screens Go Dark" Presented by Opsite Energy: www.opsitenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    42 min

  5. MAY 4

    Tower Construction, Data Infrastructure & AI in Energy | Brandon Young | Midland Tower - Ep 071

    In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live at ENTELEC 2026 in Galveston, Texas, we sit down with Brandon Young, CEO of Midland Tower Construction. Brandon shares his journey from climbing 2,000-foot towers to leading a fast-growing infrastructure company supporting oil & gas, telecom, and data-driven operations across the U.S. We dive into how tower construction plays a critical role in modern energy infrastructure — from fiber networks and microwave communications to full EPC support and data-driven operations. We also explore the future of infrastructure, including how companies like Midland Tower are adapting to increasing data demands and the role of AI in optimizing operations. Key Topics Covered: Tower construction and infrastructure in oil & gas Fiber, microwave, and network deployment EPC partnerships and end-to-end project support Scaling operations across multiple states Data-driven operations in energy AI in infrastructure and field operations Workforce growth and company culture If you're in energy, telecom, or industrial infrastructure — this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the backbone of modern operations. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations from ENTELEC 2026 👉 Follow OpSite Energy for insights on remote operations, SCADA, and energy tech #EnergyTech #ENTELEC2026 #OilAndGas #Telecom #Infrastructure #SCADA #AI #DigitalTransformation ⏱️ Chapters (YouTube Timestamps) 00:00 – Intro from ENTELEC 2026 00:17 – Meet Brandon Young (Midland Tower Construction) 01:17 – From Tower Climber to CEO 02:23 – What Midland Tower Construction Does 03:26 – Geographic Footprint & Growth 04:06 – Fiber, Networking & Infrastructure Work 04:46 – Working with EPCs & Engineering Teams 05:23 – Full Lifecycle Project Support 05:58 – Company Growth: 12 to 55 Employees 06:16 – Core Values & Leadership Philosophy 07:21 – Integrity in Infrastructure Work 08:05 – Simplifying Complexity for Customers 08:49 – Technology Roadmap & Industry Trends 09:16 – Data-Driven Operations in Energy 09:49 – AI in Infrastructure: Tool, Not Threat 10:19 – ENTELEC Experience & Industry Engagement 10:31 – How to Connect with Midland Tower 11:01 – Closing Thoughts Presented by Opsite Energy: www.opsitenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    11 min

  6. APR 29

    PHMSA Control Room Management Series - Part VI - SCADA/HMI Standards & API RP 1165 - Ep 070

    EnergyTech Podcast

    55 min

  7. APR 27

    Unified Namespace in Oil & Gas: SCADA, UDTs & AI Readiness Explained | Lisa Clark (Autosol) – Ep069

    In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live at ENTELEC 2026, we sit down with Lisa Clark, Manager of SCADA Solutions at Autosol, to break down how Unified Namespace (UNS), clean data structures, and modern SCADA architectures are reshaping oil & gas operations. SCADA is no longer just about screens and alarms — it’s becoming a critical layer for business enablement, data strategy, and AI readiness. Lisa shares real-world insights on: • Why Unified Namespace in oil & gas is fundamentally different from manufacturing • How to structure UDTs (User Defined Types) for scalability and long-term success • Common mistakes operators make when building tag structures • The challenge of mobile assets (wells, compressors, routes) vs static plant models • How SCADA engineers are evolving into “data architects” and business enablers • Why clean, contextualized data is the foundation for AI and analytics • How UNS eliminates months-long integration projects and enables plug-and-play data systems • Practical strategies for mid-size operators to adopt UNS using pilot projects This conversation is a must-watch for SCADA engineers, automation leaders, and operations teams looking to modernize their data infrastructure and prepare for AI-driven operations. 👉 If you're working with Ignition, MQTT, UNS, or industrial data platforms — this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations from the Energy Tech Podcast, where we explore the future of industrial operations, SCADA, and digital transformation. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & ENTELEC 2026 setup 00:35 – Lisa Clark’s new role at Autosol 01:30 – From project manager to leading SCADA teams 02:20 – Autosol products (ACM, EACM, broker) explained 03:10 – Common UDT mistakes in oil & gas 04:00 – Why mobile assets break traditional SCADA models 05:00 – Unified Namespace in oil & gas vs manufacturing 06:00 – M&A challenges: “two data languages” problem 07:00 – SCADA’s evolution: from screens to business enablement 08:20 – Managing competing stakeholders (IT, OT, production) 09:15 – Decision paralysis in SCADA projects 10:00 – Why pilot projects are critical for success 11:00 – Cybersecurity & Purdue model challenges 12:00 – Rethinking SCADA architecture (MQTT, gateways, edge) 13:00 – Why clean data is the foundation of UNS 14:00 – How UNS enables AI and eliminates integration projects 15:00 – AI readiness: Snowflake, data lakes & contextual data 16:00 – How mid-size operators should approach UNS 17:00 – Final thoughts & closing Presented by Opsite Energy: www.opsitenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

    18 min

  8. APR 20

    PHMSA Control Room Management Series - Part V: Adequate Information and Tools - Ep 063

    In Episode 5 of the Energy Tech Podcast Control Room Management (CRM) mini-series, Mike Flores and Daniel Nieto (VP of Regulatory & Compliance at OpSite Energy) break down one of the most overlooked requirements in PHMSA Control Room Management regulations — providing controllers with adequate information and tools. Many operators assume this requirement only refers to SCADA screens, but the reality is much broader. Adequate information includes HMI displays, procedures, safety-related points, alarm identification, maps, contact lists, and operational tools that controllers rely on to safely operate a pipeline. In this episode we discuss: • What adequate information and tools means under 49 CFR 192 & 195 Control Room Management rules • How auditors evaluate Section C compliance during inspections • Why safety-related points must be clearly identified in SCADA and procedures • Common gaps operators face (outdated procedures, missing valve visibility, information overload) • Real-world audit scenarios where missing data becomes a contributing factor to incidents • Practical steps control room leaders can take to improve compliance and operational safety Daniel also shares lessons learned from dozens of PHMSA CRM audits, explaining what inspectors typically look for during control room observations. If you manage or work in a pipeline control room, SCADA environment, or regulatory compliance role, this episode will help you better understand how to ensure controllers have the tools they need to safely operate pipeline systems. This episode is part of the Energy Tech Podcast CRM Mini-Series, presented by OpSite Energy from the OpSite Energy Control Center in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. 📩 Have a control room scenario or question? Drop it in the comments or contact us at info@opsiteenergy.com 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share with another control room operator or compliance professional. 00:00 – Introduction to CRM Episode 5 00:55 – What “Adequate Information & Tools” Means in Control Rooms 02:15 – PHMSA CRM Regulatory Context (49 CFR 192 & 195) 04:30 – Why Adequate Information Is Critical for Pipeline Safety 06:30 – The Three Pillars of Adequate Information 09:00 – Understanding Safety-Related Points in SCADA 12:00 – Real-World Examples from Control Room Audits 15:15 – Leak Detection and Data Reliability 18:00 – What Inspectors Look for During CRM Inspections 21:10 – Real Scenario: Missing Valve Status on SCADA 25:10 – Contributing Factors vs Human Error 28:10 – Common Control Room Gaps Operators Face 31:30 – Information Overload in SCADA Displays 34:00 – Implementation Framework for Operators 37:20 – Mapping Controller Tasks and Tools 40:00 – Documenting Safety Related Points 42:10 – Misconceptions About CRM Compliance 44:30 – Does Adequate Information Look the Same for Everyone? 47:00 – Backup Control Rooms and System Differences 49:30 – Top 3 Action Items for Control Room Leaders 52:00 – Episode Summary 53:20 – Preview of Episode 6 (SCADA & HMI Displays)

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    EnergyTech Podcast