What Can Be Done About Bitcoin’s Energy Problem?

Jan 7, 2025

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Ibiam Wayas

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Bitcoin may have revolutionized the financial landscape, but the process of mining new coins and securing the network comes at a substantial cost – a voracious appetite for electrical energy.

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Bitcoin network reportedly consumes more energy than some nations. Consequently, this has thrust Bitcoin into the limelight, eliciting debates among environmentalists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders alike.

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However, some things could be done to address Bitcoin’s energy problem, which has been a point of contention against the network for years.

Adopting Renewable Energy

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Numerous startups have already begun exploring ways to mitigate Bitcoin’s carbon footprint by introducing more eco-friendly energy to Bitcoin.

Implementing Pre-Mining

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Some cryptos have introduced pre-mining to circumvent wasteful computing. Pre-mining involves a central authority creating a set amount of an item and strategically releasing it into circulation.

Incorporating Carbon Credits or Fees

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Carbon credits, representing a government-approved allowance for a company to emit a specified amount of carbon emissions, can be traded between companies, incentivizing lower emissions and penalizing excesses.

The Environmental Future of Blockchain

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Integrating blockchain technology into various economic aspects could reduce many businesses’ carbon footprints.

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