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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
The use of surplus renewable energy for Bitcoin mining before grid integration could help mitigate climate change and fund the development of renewable energy projects.A recent study led by Cornell University, “From Mining to Mitigation: How Bitcoin Can Support Renewable Energy Development and Climate Action,” suggests that Bitcoin mining could actually be used to mitigate climate change instead of just damaging the environment through electricity use. The research studied renewable energy projects at the planning stage in the U.S. and calculated each project’s potential profit from Bitcoin mining during the pre-commercial phase. If these projects were to use the electricity generated during this period, before the station has been integrated into the grid, for mining, then the profit could consequently be invested in future renewable energy projects (in an ideal world).According to a press release, the researchers concluded that Texas is the state with the highest potential. It was calculated that 32 planned projects could generate a total profit of $47 million by embracing mining activities. Aktina Solar and Roseland Solar Projects were found to be the most beneficial. Other states, including California, Colorado, Nevada and Virginia, also theoretically proved to be profitable but to a lesser extent.The researchers also provided recommendations that might help such renewable energy projects develop. One of the suggestions was to provide economic rewards for environmentally responsible cryptocurrency mining, such as carbon credits for avoided emissions.According to the University of Cambridge, Bitcoin’s share of the world’s total electricity consumption is currently around 0.7%, while its share in total greenhouse gas emissions is about 0.16%. To compare, Malaysia, Sweden and Ukraine each consume less electricity per year than miners.Another recent study by Alex de Vries showed that Bitcoin’s water footprint is also growing, claiming that a single Bitcoin transaction uses sufficient water to fill a swimming
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