Energy
White House Seeks Public Comments on Crypto ESG Concerns
The White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy is seeking public commentary about crypto's energy and environmental impact, noting the potential for digital assets to aid climate change efforts. “The Hash” team discusses how public opinions could help regulators better understand Web 3 technology while commenting on the global trend of proof-of-work scrutiny.
Can Crypto Miners Make the World Greener?
As it decarbonizes, the mining industry might help push energy producers to build more renewable power sources.
Could Arizona Be the Next Blockchain Innovation Hub?
AZ Bitcoin Network organizer Stephen Cole joins “Community Crypto” host Isaiah Jackson to discuss emerging crypto communities and growing use of bitcoin in Arizona. Plus, reactions to regulators reining in bitcoin’s energy consumption.
Renewable Crypto Mining in the Italian Alps
As part of CoinDesk’s Mining Week content, Regulatory Reporter for Europe Sandali Handagama explains how crypto mining firms like the Alps Blockchain are using renewable hydropower in the mountainous regions of Italy. Handagama addresses the broader narrative of eco-friendly mining and the debate in the European Parliament on proof-of-work.
Will Belarus Lure Crypto Miners Amid Sanctions, Russia-Ukraine War?
Despite favorable business conditions, a country’s political environment can deter international capital. This piece is part of CoinDesk's Mining Week
Revisiting Bitcoin’s Energy ‘Problem’ in the Face of ESG Investment Mandates
Critics of Bitcoin’s energy use should consider its relative carbon density rather than the absolute amount of energy used.
Global Energy Price Jump Impact on Bitcoin Hashrate
“All About Bitcoin” Host Christine Lee presents data from Glassnode illustrating the difficulty of mining a bitcoin block, otherwise known as the hashrate, which dropped 0.35% on Thursday for the second time this month. Global electricity prices have risen alongside the continuation of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine, possibly leading certain miners to go offline.
From Pariah to Partner: Crypto's Climate Answers
There are signs that policymakers are beginning to recognize crypto's potential for balancing the grid and reducing greenhouse gas impacts.
How Much Electricity Does Bitcoin Mining Actually Use?
Christine Lee presents data illustrating the environmental impact of the Bitcoin network, looking specifically at global energy consumption and regional carbon emissions. As regulators often target cryptocurrency ESG concerns, Lee highlights areas of the world where bitcoin mining uses emission-free electricity.
The Debate on Whether or Not China’s Crypto Mining Ban Is Worsening Bitcoin’s Environmental Impact
A new study published in Joule claims that bitcoin’s environmental impact has worsened since China’s 2021 ban on cryptocurrency mining because miners moved their operations to countries with less renewable energy. “The Hash” dissects this report, comparing its findings with statistics from the Bitcoin Mining Council while also considering the human rights value of uncensorable money as seen in the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
