My affinity with Bitcoin partly lies in the fact that BTC mining leverages sustainable forms of energy. Sometimes, I get riled up when mainstream media insist on perpetuating the stereotype that BTC mining = damaging our Mother Earth. However, as numerous examples have illustrated, BTC mining helps resolve the energy grid problem because it uses the excess energy produced during periods of low demand.
As a former Science teacher, I enjoy reading about how BTC miners take advantage of the renewable energy sources in various parts of the world to conduct their operations. For example, Norway is the biggest Bitcoin mining hub in Europe because it has abundant hydropower. Bitcoin mining is also environmentally friendly in Iceland because it has abundant geothermal energy. Other examples include wind farms in Texas and hydroelectric dams in Canada. In all, according to 2022 data from the BTC Mining Council, Bitcoin mining consumes a mere 0.16% of the world’s total energy production.
Sustainable BTC mining doesn’t seem to be restricted to Western countries. Just last June, Crusoe Energy, an American-based energy company that leverages wasted natural gas to power BTC mining and boasts a patented Bitcoin Flare Mitigation technology, announced its intention to expand its operations in the Middle East with investment backing in the form of sovereign wealth funds of Abu Dhabi and Oman. Hopefully, more and more places on earth adopt renewable technologies to mine BTC.
Are there any other major BTC mining hubs that use sustainable energy? Or places with abundant renewable energy that we can leverage for BTC mining?
My attempt at small scale individual sustainable mining. Used panels, cheap batteries, freedom.
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You are an inspiration! How long did it take for you to figure everything out?
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Well in a sense I have been preparing a long time. I was an electrician for 20 years in my past life. But solar and off grid is a lot of new things to learn. I am still learning more.
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It’s lovely how your profession dovetails with your personal passion
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I get rlly excited whenever I see these in person lol
I imagine Iceland will cozy up to the bitcoin scene. great location for bitcoin mining, lots of hydroelectric and geothermal power there
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The physical beauty of Iceland is surreal n sublime - hope to visit it one day
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