- Large US cryptocurrency miners are required to report electricity usage.
- Mining operations account for 2.3% of national energy.
- Initiative aims to mitigate crypto mining’s strain on electricity grids and emissions.
As a rapidly growing industry, Bitcoin miners have been criticized for substantial energy consumption. This raises concerns over electricity use and has broader implications for climate change.
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently announced a mandate requiring large cryptocurrency mining operations to report their energy usage. This initiative aims to find insights into how this industry could affect the nation’s power grids.
Bitcoin Miners Face New Regulations Over Energy Use
EIA’s new policy, taking effect this week, will require mining companies to participate in a survey to gather comprehensive data on their energy usage. This new requirement will affect 137 identified commercial cryptocurrency mining operations across the United States.
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The survey mandates commercial cryptocurrency miners to provide detailed responses concerning their energy consumption. This directive aims to shed light on the industry’s electricity usage scale and pinpoint geographical areas experiencing high growth.
Bitcoin Miners Use Up to 2.3% of Nation’s Electricity
According to estimates published by EIA on February 1, crypto miners account for 0.6% to 2.3% of the total electricity consumption in the United States. This figure rivals the annual energy consumption of entire countries such as Finland, Belgium, and Chile.
This significant energy usage of 90 terawatt-hours per year highlights the industry’s impact on national electricity grids and its broader environmental implications. The rapid growth of cryptocurrency mining, particularly in states like Texas, Georgia, and New York, has benefited local energy infrastructure. Moreover, it raises concerns over carbon emissions associated with power generation.
On the Flipside
- Despite the energy-intensive nature of cryptocurrency mining, the industry has begun to take steps towards sustainability. For instance, Ethereum has transitioned to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, dramatically reducing energy consumption.
- It is unlikely that Bitcoin will move from its energy-intensive proof of work model.
Why This Matters
The Biden administration’s focus on the energy consumption of cryptocurrency mining operations reflects a growing recognition of the intersection between digital finance and environmental policy.
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Read more about crypto mining:Â
What Is Mining in Cryptocurrency? Crypto Mining Explained
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