Energy & Bitcoin: How Bitcoin Mining is Good for Energy

We all know Bitcoin consumes a lot of energy to run its Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm. Yet, why don't Bitcoin miners feel bad about this extremely high energy usage? We’re diving deep into the misconceptions in our industry and how mining Bitcoin is actually, really good for the world.

Energy & Bitcoin: How Bitcoin Mining is Good for Energy
Excerpt
We all know Bitcoin consumes a lot of energy to run its Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm. Yet, why don't Bitcoin miners feel bad about this extremely high energy usage? We’re diving deep into the misconceptions in our industry and how mining Bitcoin is actually, really good for the world.
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Over the past few years, there's been a bit of a change in how people talk about the environmental impact of Bitcoin.
 
They’re starting to understand.
 
Environmental concerns is not a new conversation for folks who know about the industry, but now it's getting more attention from mainstream media. They're starting to show examples of how Bitcoin mining could actually be good for the environment. It's nice to see a more balanced viewpoint and proves the industry perception is growing positively.
But, let's be real, there's still a lot of debate on this topic. Some people say that the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining still matters and can't be ignored. Others argue that Bitcoin mining is a game-changer that lets anyone turn cheap energy into serious cash.
Actually, some US state governments have already started thinking about how Bitcoin mining could be a good thing. They're focused on policies that would encourage using renewable energy for Bitcoin mining. That would not only help the environment, but also make new economic opportunities in places that might've been ignored before.
At RigList, we believe that Bitcoin mining is a game-changer. We're here to help out people and businesses who want to get into it, and to give them whatever resources they need to succeed. Whether you're a seasoned Bitcoin miner or a newbie, we're here to help you reach your goals. So why not join us today and be part of the energy revolution?

Sustainable Mining

After years of what seemed like constant FUD, the media seems to be much less polarizing on the subject. This is particularly important because the media has a significant impact on public opinion. As Frank Holmes, a Forbes contributor puts it: “The total sustainable power mix could be as high as 56%, making Bitcoin mining one of the most sustainable industries globally.” This is great to hear coming from them, as other Forbes writers haven’t always agreed with Frank Holmes here. Despite this, any positive releases around Bitcoin mining is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, and is a good sign for more to come.
Furthermore, a recent account from The Bitcoin Mining council found Bitcoins sustainable energy mix has ”improved marginally to 58.9% and remains one of the most sustainable industries globally.” This is a significant improvement, and one that is likely to continue. The Bitcoin Mining Council’s survey also compared this energy mix to other countries, highlighting the fact that Bitcoin mining is one of the most sustainable industries globally.
This is encouraging because sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue for consumers, investors, and governments around the world. As a result, it is likely that companies and industries that are more sustainable will be more successful in the long run. The fact that Bitcoin mining is becoming more sustainable is therefore a positive development for the industry as a whole, and is likely to attract more investors and customers in the future.
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So, we've been hearing a ton of chatter for years about how Bitcoin mining is using up way too much energy and isn't sustainable. But there's clear evidence that's saying the opposite. The Bitcoin mining industry is actually getting more efficient year after year, which means that as it grows, it's gonna need more and more renewable energy sources to keep things rolling.
As the need for sustainable energy goes up and up, the Bitcoin mining industry is gonna become a major player in the world of renewable energy. A lot of mining operations are starting to switch over to things like flared gas, wind and solar power.

Energy Grids

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In this article, we discussed the difference between sourcing energy on or off power grids. Off-grid mining can help capture stranded energy sources, while on-grid has many benefits of its own. Miners help stabilize energy grids by creating a consistent demand for energy. This is because mining is a continuous process that requires a constant source of energy.
However, the media and even the United States Government have twisted these clear benefits. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) carried out a study on the climate effects of cryptocurrency mining that is full of false information. The report is available for access here.
As Nic Carter, a commentator and venture capitalist, points out in his response to this paper, they blatantly lie about Bitcoin miners supporting the energy grid. They claim that "Crypto-asset mining operations typically have high load factors: they use power nearly constantly. When these facilities continue to operate through peak demand periods, they stress the power infrastructure, which can affect equipment life, cause blackouts for other customers, and create fire hazards."
Nic’s response, which is clearly the case, states that "Bitcoin miners are the most flexible, curtailable, and accommodating industry in existence." As we’ve seen countless times, Bitcoin miners are significantly helping the ERCOT grid. Miners continue to aid in stabilizing the power grid by their capability to turn on and off at any given time, providing electricity back to the grid when it is most needed. This can ensure that infrastructure like hospitals and other essential businesses do not experience power outages, and it can help families stay warm during winter when power demand increases. No other industry has done anything like this.

State-Level Support

Furthermore, it is crucial for those involved in the mining industry to take into account not only their economic benefits but also their moral and environmental responsibilities. One of the ways to achieve this is by ensuring that the power used for mining is generated sustainably. In fact, last year, the governor of New York signed a law mandating mining companies to use 100% renewable energy. Although we disagree with this approach and believe that miners are unfairly targeted, this policy shows how proactive measures can be taken to promote sustainability in the mining sector nationwide.
This development highlights the need for more parties to advocate for Bitcoin policy, especially for proof of work (PoW). Fortunately, there are groups such as the Satoshi Action Fund that are tirelessly working towards this goal. Their efforts have already made a significant impact, but more support is still needed. We strongly recommend checking them out and finding ways to provide support for their cause. By doing so, we can ensure that the mining industry continues to thrive in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Conclusion

Overall, Bitcoin mining has the potential to play a vital role in the energy industry by increasing demand for renewables, stabilizing power grids, and soaking up otherwise wasted energy. This could lead to more investment in renewable energy sources, which would not only benefit the Bitcoin industry but also the environment. Additionally, the use of Bitcoin mining to stabilize power grids could lead to more reliable and efficient energy distribution, benefiting not only the Bitcoin industry but also the general public. Moreover, the ability of Bitcoin mining to soak up otherwise wasted energy could reduce overall energy costs and increase energy efficiency. By utilizing this untapped energy, Bitcoin mining could help to create a more sustainable and renewable energy future, benefiting not only the Bitcoin industry but also the planet as a whole.
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Written by

Gavin Thibodeau
Gavin Thibodeau

Founder @ riglist.com