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Bitcoin
BTC
Energy cost is likely the single most important consideration for a miner. According to a recent report by KPMG, bitcoin mining stabilizes power grids and leverages underused renewable energy sources. The report further states that bitcoin can reduce methane emissions by converting waste gases into electricity.
Multiple examples of such approaches exist, and Daniel Batten from CH4 Capital, a climate tech investor, is actively implementing bitcoin mining solutions that achieve this goal. This view also aligns well with the observations made by Margot Paez, an environmental physicist, who asserts that it’s misleading to focus solely on bitcoin’s energy consumption. Instead, she states that miners form an essential part of energy infrastructure.
Additional points to consider are the strategic relocation of mining operations to areas where energy is cheaper. This seems logical, given the energy costs associated with bitcoin mining. High energy costs are a concern for miners because they cut into profits, and this is especially true when hash rates are high, which means more computational work and energy are needed. The potential for using stranded or wasted energy, highlighted by ESG Managing Consultant James Giannantonio and IT Director Chester Ney from ALL4, adds another layer of opportunity for cost-cutting and sustainability.
“The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory estimates as of 2021 as much as two-thirds of energy consumption in the United States is rejected or used inefficiently,” note Ney and Giannantonio. They explained, ‘Globally in places that have less efficient transmission infrastructure or even greater intermittency for wind and solar, you can see how it would be worse.”
A shift in perspective is needed; bitcoin should be viewed not merely as an energy consumer but as a facilitator for more efficient and sustainable energy use.
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Hardware is another key variable. The best miners in the business either find bargains from failed enterprises or get early access to the most efficient mining machines, sometimes even before they are released to the public. This provides a significant edge in a high-competition environment.
As environmental concerns grow, the mining industry encounters significant obstacles that may signal the end of industrial-scale operations. Bitcoin mining requires substantial amounts of water for cooling systems, posing specific challenges. In places like Texas, water shortages could force these operations to move. Miners are also increasingly moving to colder climates to efficiently manage hardware heat. Elliot David from Sustainable Bitcoin Protocol puts it plainly: “Physical environmental risk is a ticking time bomb for miners. It often goes unnoticed until it becomes a major issue, restricting operations in certain areas.”
Ney echoes this view: “To navigate these long-term sustainability risks effectively, miners require a strategic partner who can operate at scale.”
Business efficiency shouldn’t be overlooked, either. Some miners go the extra mile by choosing locations with tax incentives, less expensive labor, or the possibility of achieving economies of scale. According to NASA’s Goddard Institute of Space Studies, Margot Paez advises that miners should also consider preparing for a climate that is in flux rather than stable, especially given that the summer of 2023 was the hottest ever recorded since 1880. Paez’s advice resonates especially for miners in traditionally cooler regions, like Germany, which recently experienced extreme weather events, including heatwaves and flooding.
Miners are also becoming increasingly creative with managing the heat generated by their operations. Whether it’s employing this byproduct in swimming pools, agriculture, or even industrial processes that require low-grade heat, the name of the game is efficiency. It’s becoming increasingly clear that this industry is driving innovation and providing many solutions.
Photo by Valeria Mongelli
The overarching theme suggests that mining should rely on inexpensive or stranded energy for financial viability. Businesses stand to gain by offering their surplus or unused energy to miners as a fallback buyer. This opens up a new revenue stream for companies and advances the network’s sustainability goals.
The key takeaway from all these experts is that adaptability and strategic thinking are crucial for bitcoin miners, particularly when the conversation around energy usage is both an environmental and financial one. “Reducing the inefficiencies in an energy system is good for everyone,” adds Chester Ney, “and makes sense from a capital efficiency standpoint.”
In summary, while high hash rates may indicate increased miner activity, the road to profitability is paved with challenges that require strategic planning, particularly in an era of shifting climates and the need for green energy.
