Cryptocurrency mining has long been associated with environmental concerns. In the early days of the crypto industry, when mining was carried out by a handful of computer systems, no one paid much attention to the harmful carbon emissions and toxic waste. However, over the past 15 years, eco-activists have raised alarms about the environmental impact of mining.
The Proof-of-Work consensus algorithm, the foundation of Bitcoin (BTC), has come under scrutiny in recent years for being outdated and less functional compared to its successor, Proof-of-Stake. This has given rise to a new phenomenon – “green” mining. Let’s explore what this technology entails and how effective it is.
What distinguishes “green” mining?
“Green” or eco-friendly mining is a method of cryptocurrency mining that relies on renewable sources of energy such as hydroelectric, solar, wind, and geothermal power.
The conventional method of mining digital coins often led to deforestation, carbon emissions, noise pollution, and environmental degradation of soil, water, and air. “Green” mining seeks to mitigate the environmental impact across all these parameters.
Eco-friendly cryptocurrency mining methods
As of 2024, cryptocurrency can be mined using solar, water, and wind energy. While this seems like an ideal solution to excessive energy consumption, these methods come with their own drawbacks.
The primary challenge is their instability. Natural and weather conditions are not always controllable, a crucial aspect when dealing with large-scale production. Additionally, mining with solar and wind energy is feasible only in certain countries with suitable climate conditions, leaving others at a disadvantage.
Currently, wind energy-based mining is actively pursued in Texas, USA, where weather conditions allow for profitable and eco-friendly cryptocurrency mining. Hydro-mining was prevalent in Sichuan Province, southern central China, until 2021 when the government declared it illegal due to its extensive impact.
Sustainable mining also addresses the excess heat generated during cryptocurrency mining. Canadian miners have tackled this issue by redirecting excess heat into greenhouses. In 2020, there were reports of strawberries grown in the heat of cryptocurrency mining from Heatmine’s greenhouses, reducing the overall cost of mining.
Prospects of “green” mining: what to expect in the future?
While adopting an eco-friendly approach to business is commendable, skeptics question whether this is the ultimate solution. If it were that simple, wouldn’t “green” mining have emerged from the start or much earlier? What’s the catch?
Firstly, no breakthrough technology or model can account for all ecological side effects before firmly establishing itself in the market. A product might end up being unpopular, leading to losses for developers in terms of money, effort, and time.
Environmental concerns currently rank as secondary or even tertiary issues. Safety and efficiency take precedence, attracting user interest in the development. Only when blockchain becomes deeply ingrained in the socio-economic structure will states begin to address its potential harm as a management apparatus, and the public will reflect on its environmental impact.
Researchers and analysts are actively encouraging miners to adopt a “green” policy. The evident advantages of this new direction include:
- Substantial capital influx. According to MMR data, the capitalization of sustainable mining exceeded $11 billion by the end of 2022. Experts predict it will grow to $18.5 billion by 2029.
- Compliance with regulatory norms. Regulating cryptocurrencies has become a pressing issue in recent years. Adhering to eco-friendly cryptocurrency mining policies could enhance companies’ chances of gaining favor with regulatory bodies. Some researchers boldly claim that regulators are less concerned about the environmental harm from mining compared to socially accepted industries like aviation.
- Support from influential corporations. Elon Musk’s stance on Bitcoin is a prominent example. Initially a Bitcoin enthusiast, Musk later distanced himself due to concerns about its environmental impact. Now, the Tesla CEO has indicated a willingness to accept Bitcoin payments for company vehicles if mining becomes at least 50% “green.”
- Increased productivity. Renewable energy sources can sustain massive production without compromising efficiency. Their use can reduce costs, ultimately increasing profitability.
Conclusion
“Green” mining stands out as one of the most promising trends in modern crypto production. It has garnered support from eco-activists, influential figures, and heads of states. Researchers are confident that transitioning to eco-friendly cryptocurrency mining methods will prolong the life of the crypto business and make it more convenient for all stakeholders.