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Podcast: Sergii Gerasymovych on Bitcoin’s Future

Will Szamosszegi & Sergii Gerasymovych

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In the third episode of the Sazmining Podcast, host Will Szamosszegi sits down with Sergii Gerasymovych, CEO and co-founder of EZ Blockchain. Together, they explore how blockchain mining infrastructure can help solve the world’s energy inefficiencies while supporting the future of Bitcoin and proof-of-work technologies.

As the cryptocurrency space matures, forward-thinking companies are no longer just chasing profits—they’re solving real-world problems. EZ Blockchain is one such company, and its story is not only a case study in innovation but also in how blockchain mining can support energy efficiency and infrastructure modernization.

From GPUs to Grid Optimization: The Origin of EZ Blockchain

Like many blockchain entrepreneurs, Sergii entered the space somewhat by chance. Back in 2016–2017, he and his business partner were involved in the import-export of computer hardware when they noticed a sharp increase in demand for GPUs. Curiosity led them down the crypto rabbit hole, and soon they discovered the powerful economics behind mining.

But instead of simply becoming miners, they saw a larger opportunity: to build the physical backbone of the mining industry.

“Mining was very hot at the time, but I wanted to be in an industry at the beginning of its growth,” says Sergii. “This was the first time I wasn’t late.”

Their startup, EZ Blockchain, was born. Headquartered in Chicago, the company focuses on designing, building, and managing the physical infrastructure required for proof-of-work blockchains, with a heavy emphasis on Bitcoin.

What Is Proof of Work, and Why Does It Matter?

To understand EZ Blockchain’s mission, it helps to revisit what “proof of work” really means.

Proof of work (PoW) is a consensus algorithm used by cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to validate transactions. It requires miners to solve complex mathematical puzzles using high-performance computing hardware. This process, while energy-intensive, is what keeps the blockchain secure and decentralized.

“People often think crypto mining is just generating money out of thin air,” says Sergii. “But it actually involves tremendous physical infrastructure—data centers, energy grids, cooling systems, and a lot of engineering.”

EZ Blockchain’s approach is to treat mining as a service layered atop the global energy grid. Their facilities not only mine Bitcoin but do so in a way that improves electrical grid efficiency, balances load, and leverages waste energy that would otherwise go unused.

Solving Real Energy Problems With Digital Infrastructure

One of the most compelling aspects of EZ Blockchain’s mission is its alignment with energy efficiency. The company builds mobile data centers, called Smartboxes, that can be deployed quickly and placed near sources of excess or stranded energy—such as flare gas sites in the oil and gas industry or underutilized renewable energy sources.

Here’s how it works:

When electricity is produced but not consumed, it often goes to waste.

Traditional infrastructure cannot easily store or relocate that excess power.

By placing mobile mining facilities near these energy sources, EZ Blockchain converts excess electricity into economic value—namely, Bitcoin.

This also helps grid operators balance supply and demand, reducing waste and even improving the economics of local utilities.

“Bitcoin is not a drain on the grid—it’s a tool to balance it,” says Sergii.

This approach has real-world implications. In Indiana, for example, EZ Blockchain partnered with a rural cooperative utility. By consuming 5% of the local power output, they enabled the co-op to buy electricity more efficiently in bulk, helping stabilize rates for residents.

Innovation in Hardware and Engineering

At the heart of EZ Blockchain’s product offering is its proprietary mobile data center design. Early on, the company used shipping containers to house mining rigs, but they quickly ran into problems—especially in hot climates, where steel containers absorbed and retained heat.

To solve this, the company developed its Smartbox, built with sandwich panels—materials typically used in refrigerated rooms that provide superior insulation and thermal regulation. These units also feature custom HVAC systems and are carefully engineered to handle air circulation, energy load, and environmental conditions.

“Every Smartbox is built to order,” says Sergii. “We calculate exactly how much air needs to be circulated, what electrical loads are required, and we customize the materials depending on climate and budget.”

This bespoke approach allows EZ Blockchain to work with a wide range of clients, from institutional investors to utilities to mid-sized mining operations.

Shifting From Retail to Institutional Clients

In the early days of crypto mining, the space was dominated by hobbyists and retail investors. People were mining Bitcoin in their garages and basements, hoping to generate passive income. But as mining difficulty increased and the cost of energy and equipment rose, many small players were pushed out.

Today, EZ Blockchain primarily serves institutional clients—accredited investors, family offices, and even hedge funds that are diversifying into digital assets.

“Now our typical client starts with one or two megawatts,” Sergii explains. “This is not a hobby anymore—it’s industrial.”

As the market matures, this trend toward institutionalization will only continue. Mining is no longer just about plugging in a few machines; it requires serious investment in infrastructure, energy contracts, and long-term strategy.

The Financialization of Hashrate and Mining

One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the emergence of financial products tied to mining operations—like hashrate futures and lending protocols.

Hashrate futures allow miners and investors to hedge against volatility in mining returns. If you know your operation will produce a certain amount of computational power, you can sell that future performance for a guaranteed return, similar to traditional commodity futures.

While EZ Blockchain doesn’t yet operate at a scale to fully utilize these products, they see promise in the growing ecosystem of crypto-native financial services.

“The lending market is already developed enough,” says Sergii. “You can hedge against Bitcoin price drops using lending platforms. Hashrate swaps are next, but they need more liquidity.”

Platforms like Drawbridge Lending are already working with miners to offer hedging options, and as more institutional money flows into the space, these products will likely become standard.

The Road Ahead: Regulation and Opportunity

No conversation about crypto is complete without touching on regulation. In Sergii’s view, the lack of regulatory clarity is one of the biggest obstacles to mainstream adoption—but it also presents opportunity.

Currently, different U.S. agencies define Bitcoin in different ways:

The IRS considers it property.
FinCEN calls it virtual currency.
The SEC may label it a security.
The CFTC sees it as a commodity.

This regulatory patchwork creates uncertainty for businesses and investors alike. Sergii believes the solution is a self-governing organization—akin to FINRA—that can bring clarity and standards to the industry.

“Once we have a consistent framework, adoption will skyrocket,” he says.

Sergii is also optimistic that the U.S. will take the lead in regulating crypto, citing its historical role as the center of global finance and the growing political influence of pro-crypto figures.

Addressing Environmental Concerns: Myths vs. Reality

Another hot-button topic in the crypto space is environmental impact. Critics often claim that Bitcoin mining consumes more electricity than small countries and accelerates climate change.

Sergii doesn’t shy away from these concerns—but he’s quick to correct the misconceptions.

Bitcoin mining doesn’t “steal” power. It often uses waste energy that would otherwise go unused.

By co-locating with power plants, mining operations can improve grid efficiency and create new revenue streams for utilities.

Companies like EZ Blockchain are leading the way in using flare gas and stranded energy, reducing methane emissions and supporting energy innovation.

“If anything, Bitcoin mining is helping the environment by giving energy producers a reason to invest in efficiency,” Sergii says.

The Future of Mining: Fewer Players, Bigger Stakes

Looking ahead to the next Bitcoin halving, Sergii sees a few key trends emerging:

‍Mining will become more centralized in terms of infrastructure, as only players with scale and access to cheap power can remain competitive.‍
New financial products will make mining accessible to the masses through passive exposure—think hash rate ETFs or pooled infrastructure investments.‍
Hardware limitations will cap growth. With a global chip shortage and intense competition for 7nm chips, mining capacity may level off until new fabrication capabilities emerge.‍
Geopolitical factors like U.S.-China trade tensions will shape hardware availability and supply chain dynamics.

Despite these challenges, Sergii is bullish on the future of crypto and sees parallels with other industries like gold mining.

“In the end, we may end up with just a few big infrastructure players—but the exposure to mining will be democratized,” he explains.

Why Bitcoin Isn’t a Scam: Talking to the Skeptics

When asked how he’d convince a skeptic that Bitcoin isn’t a scam, Sergii offers a practical, fact-based response:

Bitcoin has existed for over a decade.
It trades billions in volume every day.
It’s listed on major exchanges like CME.
The IRS now requires crypto ownership disclosures on tax forms.

He encourages skeptics to simply explore the data and ask: Why would all of this exist if it weren’t real?

“There’s too much legitimacy, volume, and infrastructure behind Bitcoin for it to be a scam,” he says.

Final Thoughts: Building a Future Where Energy Meets Blockchain

EZ Blockchain represents the intersection of blockchain innovation and real-world problem solving. By focusing on energy efficiency, infrastructure, and institutional mining, they’re helping transform crypto from a speculative playground into a foundational pillar of the digital economy.

With a unique blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial grit, and forward-thinking vision, Sergii Gerasymovych and his team are showing the world what’s possible when blockchain stops being an abstract concept and starts solving real, tangible problems.

For those interested in following their work or getting involved, you can find Sergii on Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit EZ Blockchain online.