Specialists engaged with the ambitious
cryptocurrency
sectors are praising a study from Duke University
study
That proposed energy-consuming cryptocurrency mining could potentially aid in stabilizing an impaired electrical grid.
The answer, per the experts, is better planning by taking advantage of
flexible loads
This involves shutting down during periods of high demand or opting for alternative (preferably
renewable
) energy sources until the power grid stabilizes.
Daniel Batten, a Bitcoin investor and analyst, mentioned in an X post that he had been waiting for 34 months to hear this information.
“I mentioned that Bitcoin mining can help prevent costly grid enhancements and promote the decarbonization of power grids, but many people who do not support Bitcoin were doubtful. However, a recent study from Duke University supports these claims,” he stated.
posted
.
In addition to cryptocurrency concerns, another problem lies with the significant amount of energy used by data centers that serve as the backbone for artificial intelligence and various other services. According to estimates from the Department of Energy, these data centers are quite power-hungry.
12%
By 2028, a third of U.S. electricity will be required constantly.
Cryptocurrency mining, typically for Bitcoin, consumes approximately up to an estimated amount of energy.
2.3%
, according to other governmental data. The alternate currency is generated when sophisticated computers resolve complex problems to create blocks. These blocks are then connected to build chains that verify transactions and release coins in the process, altogether
per
Loyalty. The procedure has several iterations, with some being more resource-heavy than others, leading to various kinds of crypto platforms and currencies.
Stream now: This firm is simplifying savings through solar energy like never before.
High energy need is a common theme among all of the powerful computing across both industries, but crypto’s use is more flexible. The Duke analysis focused on 22 of the country’s largest
balancing authorities
They handle energy distribution on a regional basis, as per the guidelines set by the U.S. Energy Department.
“In this scenario, flexibility means that end-users have the capability to decrease their power usage from the grid for short durations when the system faces high demand by utilizing local generators, relocating tasks to different sites, or cutting back on activities. If system designers can consistently count on having access to such load flexibility, they might not feel as compelled to increase generating capabilities and upgrade transmission networks, which could save them significant amounts of money either through avoidance or postponement of expensive investments,” explained the experts.
wrote
in the study.
Mara Holdings, a company based in Florida specializing in digital assets and energy, also has a significant footprint in Texas.
said
— citing Duke’s
work
— Better planning could assist the grid in handling an additional “new load” equivalent to 10% of the country’s maximum demand without needing to build new infrastructure.
Mara’s group noted that Bitcoin mining aligns perfectly with this concept, offering utilities a flexible and manageable power demand that can enhance the effectiveness and reliability of the electrical grid.
|
|
This reflects the complex connection between cryptocurrency and the power grid, frequently emphasized due to its impact.
price spikes
For residential customers — especially during its initial phase, prior to several of the more recent modifications.
Bitcoin still uses a lot of energy, though, creating challenges that efforts like these are trying to solve. Energy Star
reported
that one transaction uses more energy than is needed by six houses in a day.
The International Monetary Fund, also known as the IMF,
added
That data centers and cryptocurrency mining contribute almost one percent of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions because numerous crypto miners continue to rely on grid electricity.
self-owned natural gas facilities
, and many parts of the globe continue to rely heavily on polluting energy sources for their power grids.
The planet-warming gases from those aging processes are
linked
by NASA due to heightened risks for infrastructure-threatening
severe weather
, not to mention risks for accidents such as oil spills. The
storms
, combined with a
strained
electricity system, are making
blackouts
more common.
Efforts are underway in
Paraguay
to use cleaner hydro to power the computing.
Meta
stands out as one of the U.S.-based firms channeling investments into solar power to counterbalance the energy used by their data centers. Despite this effort, the company behind Facebook has also been
criticized for plans
to build
natural gas
Power generation. Companies like Meta along with others operating data centers, including Google, OpenAI, and Amazon, have been
exploring
nuclear power solutions
Similarly — not as impressive as renewables, but typically more beneficial and environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels, though they do come with their own set of safety concerns.
Either way, with AI and crypto forecast to grow, even as news like the Duke study can offer signs of hope, much change is still needed to counter the
tech
The energy consumption within the industry along with the associated pollution presents “a matter of worry.”
per
the IMF.
For now, everyone has the ability to contribute to conserving energy, even through minor actions like
unplugging
Unused devices and chargers along with minimizing the use of heating or air conditioning can help, but an even more effective solution would be to install a rooftop.
solar panels
In every scenario, actions that decrease air pollution will also lower your electricity costs.
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Scientists discover surprising element reducing strain on the country’s electrical network: ‘Many individuals doubted it.’
first appeared on
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.