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Like Pennsylvania's publicly traded Stronghold, Bitcoin mining companies increasingly tap into coal ash for energy, sparking concerns over environmental repercussions. As Bitcoin's carbon footprint grows, the debate on sustainable mining solutions gains momentum.
With a total capacity of 165 MW, Stronghold owns two coal ash sites, utilizing this readily available commodity to meet their energy demands. However, concerns about the environmental impact of this practice have emerged. Bitcoin's current energy consumption already rivals Pakistan's, and its carbon footprint continues to grow due to intensive mining operations.
Proponents argue that coal ash presents a potential solution to some of Bitcoin's issues by transforming an environmental and health hazard into a resource, freeing up land for more productive purposes. Nevertheless, critics disagree, emphasizing that burning coal ash generates substantial greenhouse gas emissions, merely shifting the pollution from the ground to the air.
Moreover, experts warn that fossil fuel-generated energy, not limited to waste coal, exacerbates the problem. Bitcoin operations extend the lifespan of coal and gas plants scheduled for closure, undermining global decarbonization goals.
According to a recent report by the US NGO Global Energy Monitor, all coal plants worldwide must be shut down by 2040 to mitigate the risk of climate catastrophe.
The detrimental impact of coal-powered Bitcoin mining on decarbonization efforts has gained significant attention. New York has already placed a moratorium on new permits for fossil fuel plants involved in cryptocurrency mining, recognizing the threat they pose to sustainable energy transition. Further measures to address this pressing issue are likely to be implemented in the future.
As the demand for Bitcoin continues to surge, the debate surrounding the use of coal ash and its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is poised to intensify. Environmental activists and policymakers are calling for more sustainable energy solutions to ensure the clean future of cryptocurrency mining.
Photo: Kanchanara/Unsplash
