Environment

As with most things related to analysing Bitcoin, much of the data that was presented in the first four parts of the series has changed. Luckily, we took a first-principles approach, where we illustrated how Bitcoin’s power-draw (measured in GW) can be calculated by anyone, by simply multiplying the network hashrate by the average network efficiency.

In this piece, we will discuss the relationship between energy, electricity and emissions, and why the distinction is necessary to make. We will show Bitcoin’s current electricity mix, and what that means in regards to energy use and emissions in a global context.

This is the third instalment of Monochrome Research’s E in ESG series and will discuss the state of the Bitcoin Mining network. Topics to be explored in this report are the current state of mining hardware, and industry-wide electricity and energy use, and emissions.

In this second instalment of the E in ESG series from Monochrome Research, we explain Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism, the source of its power consumption. An explanation of both endogenous and exogenous incentives for Bitcoin miners will also be given, and a breakdown of the Bitcoin mining industry’s position as a near-perfectly competitive market will be analysed.

In this five-part series on Bitcoin and the environment, we aim to deliver a thorough overview and context of Bitcoin’s energy use and environmental impact. First, one must understand what drives Bitcoin’s energy use. From there we provide an overview of the current state of the Bitcoin Network from an energy consumption point of view, alongside important industry trends and metrics.