Professor Coin: Bitcoin, Energy and the Future of Sustainable Crypto

Bitcoin's energy consumption is substantial, estimated at 138 TWh in 2025, leading to increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact. Recent studies expand the discussion beyond electricity usage alone to consider CO₂ emissions, water usage, e-waste, and land use. As policy concerns grow, governments are increasingly focused on the nature of the energy sources used by Bitcoin miners. Despite Bitcoin's significant environmental footprint and its reliance on proof-of-work (PoW) systems, there is a shift towards renewable energy, with 52.4% of miners utilizing sustainable power sources. While Ethereum's transition to proof-of-stake (PoS) dramatically reduced energy consumption, Bitcoin remains committed to PoW, raising questions about its long-term sustainability. However, there is an optimistic outlook where Bitcoin mining could help stabilize renewable energy grids by acting as a buyer for surplus energy, potentially aiding the green transition. The future trajectory of Bitcoin will depend heavily on miners' practices, government regulations, and overall market dynamics.

Source 🔗