Bitcoin mining fostering energy sustainability: emerging evidence substantiates this notion
In the ever-evolving world of digital assets, the Bitcoin 101 course, available on Academy, offers a comprehensive introduction to the cryptocurrency [1]. But beyond its financial implications, recent studies and data from the Digital Assets Research Institute (DARI) and other institutions are highlighting the environmental benefits of Bitcoin mining.
One of the most significant findings is the increased use of renewable energy in Bitcoin mining operations. According to the Bitcoin Mining Council's April 2025 report, the sustainable electricity mix for Bitcoin mining reached an impressive 63.1%, a substantial improvement from 37% in 2021 [1]. This shift towards greener energy sources is evident in the contributions from hydro, wind, solar, and nuclear power. Similarly, the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance reported over 52% of Bitcoin's electricity comes from clean sources, including 23% hydropower, 15% wind, 3% solar, and about 10% nuclear [3].
This shift towards renewables also coincides with improvements in mining efficiency. Advances in mining hardware and strategic relocation to cost-effective, renewable-rich regions have improved mining efficiency by over 46% [1]. This increased efficiency, coupled with the increased use of renewable energy, has helped reduce the carbon footprint per unit of work done.
Bitcoin mining also plays a crucial role in grid stabilisation and emission reduction. From the perspective of DARI, Bitcoin mining acts as a flexible grid balancer, absorbing excess renewable power that might otherwise be wasted and stabilising intermittent renewable sources. This flexibility can reduce reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants, thereby cutting emissions and lowering grid costs [2].
Additionally, Bitcoin mining creates financial incentives to capture and use methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. By doing so, it helps mitigate a significant environmental hazard [2][3].
Moreover, Bitcoin mining supports renewable energy projects by being deployable in remote or off-grid locations. This deployment can improve the economic viability and accelerate the development of renewable infrastructure [2].
Finally, while more social than purely environmental, DARI notes benefits like empowering marginalised populations by providing financial access, which is part of the broader sustainability conversation [2].
In summary, the global hash rate of the Bitcoin network has grown, but emissions have remained stable. This growth, however, is not coming at the expense of the environment. Instead, it shows an alternative path where technology, finance, and energy innovation can converge to promote positive change. The Bitcoin 101 course, with its 35 lessons, provides an opportunity for individuals to understand this transformative technology and its role in the future of sustainable energy.
[1] Bitcoin Mining Council (2025). April 2025 Report. [Online]. Available: https://bitcoinminingcouncil.org/reports/april-2025/
[2] Digital Assets Research Institute (2025). The Environmental Benefits of Bitcoin Mining. [Online]. Available: https://dari.org/research/bitcoin-mining-environmental-benefits/
[3] Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (2025). The Energy Consumption of Bitcoin Mining. [Online]. Available: https://www.cambridge-cares.org/research/energy-consumption-of-bitcoin-mining/
- The Bitcoin Mining Council's April 2025 report found that the sustainable electricity mix for Bitcoin mining reached 63.1%, an improvement from 37% in 2021, due to an increased use of renewable energy sources like hydro, wind, solar, and nuclear power.
- The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance reported over 52% of Bitcoin's electricity comes from clean sources, and Bitcoin mining acts as a flexible grid balancer, absorbing excess renewable power and stabilizing intermittent renewable sources, which reduces reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants.
- Bitcoin mining plays a role in capturing and using methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, creating financial incentives to mitigate a significant environmental hazard.
- Bitcoin mining supports renewable energy projects by being deployable in remote or off-grid locations, improving the economic viability and accelerating the development of renewable infrastructure.
- The Bitcoin 101 course offers insights into the role of Bitcoin mining in the future of sustainable energy, showcasing how technology, finance, and energy innovation can converge to promote positive change, beyond just its financial implications.
