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2025-05-20 11:32:07

clf99 on Nostr: Maybe Elizabeth Warren is right Yes, coal continues to be used in Bitcoin mining, ...

Maybe Elizabeth Warren is right

Yes, coal continues to be used in Bitcoin mining, though its prevalence varies by region and is subject to ongoing debate.

Active Use of Coal in Bitcoin Mining

United States: In Pennsylvania, companies like Stronghold Digital Mining operate facilities that burn waste coal to power Bitcoin mining operations. While they argue this process helps remediate environmental damage from legacy coal waste, it still results in significant CO₂ emissions .

Montana: The Hardin Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant, was slated for closure but remained operational after Marathon Digital Holdings partnered with it for Bitcoin mining. This collaboration led to a substantial increase in the plant's CO₂ emissions .

Kentucky and Indiana: Bitcoin mining has been linked to the continued operation of coal plants in these states. For instance, Blockware Solutions entered a long-term agreement with coal-fired plants in Kentucky, contributing to millions of tons of CO₂ emissions annually .


Global Perspective

A United Nations study reported that, during 2020–2021, coal accounted for approximately 45% of the energy used in Bitcoin mining globally. This reliance on coal contributes significantly to the carbon footprint of cryptocurrency mining .

Transition to Renewables

Despite these instances, there is a notable shift towards renewable energy in the Bitcoin mining industry. Recent data suggests that over 50% of Bitcoin's mining network now uses renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar power .

In summary, while coal remains a source of energy for some Bitcoin mining operations, particularly in areas with existing coal infrastructure, the industry is gradually moving towards more sustainable energy sources.

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