Could Your Bitcoin Soon be as Green as Your Dollar Bill?

Janine Grainger – Co-Founder and CEO, Easy Crypto

Given a societal shift towards more sustainable business practices in recent years, the environmental impact of crypto – in particular Bitcoin – has sparked intense debates. Critics often point out the energy-intensive process of mining, which (traditionally) requires vast amounts of computational power and electricity. Beneath the surface of these very valid concerns, however, lies a rapidly evolving landscape driving the crypto industry towards a more sustainable future in which crypto could be as green as your dollar bill. 

In a convergence of advances in technology and ideology, crypto is poised to become greener. This piece expands on four of the key developments bringing this transformative shift to life.

The rise of renewables in mining operations

One of the most significant criticisms aimed at crypto is its energy consumption, largely attributed to the mining process.

(Crypto mining involves powerful computers solving complex mathematical puzzles to verify and add transactions to the blockchain, while earning rewards in the form of newly minted crypto tokens.)

Traditionally, many mining operations relied on fossil fuels, producing large amounts of carbon emissions.

Recently, the crypto industry has taken significant strides towards sustainability through embracing renewable energy sources to power its mining, including solar, wind and hydropower, reducing its reliance on non-renewable resources and carbon footprint.

A growing number of mining farms are now located in regions with abundant renewable energy – such as ‘GreenMine’ in northern Iceland, where geothermal energy is readily available –  turning previously untapped energy sources into a force for positive change.

Encouragingly, it’s widely accepted that this transition to renewables is not just a ‘public relations’ stunt; but a fundamental shift towards a greener future.

As renewable technology continues to advance in terms of affordability, the cost benefits of harnessing cleaner energy for mining will become even more apparent.

Realistically, Bitcoin mining could move on from an energy-consuming practice; to one that contributes to a more sustainable global energy matrix.

More energy-efficient consensus mechanisms

Crypto’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism has also been widely criticised. In simple terms, consensus mechanisms are simply the rules and processes that enable participants in a blockchain network to agree on the validity / accuracy of transactions. 

Consensus currently demands substantial computational power and energy consumption, but the industry is innovating to address these issues through brand new validation mechanisms including proof-of-stake (PoS) and proof-of-authority (PoA).

PoS doesn’t rely on energy-intensive computations. Instead, validators are chosen based on the number of coins they hold (and are willing to ‘stake’). Similarly, PoA relies on approved computers to validate transactions, eliminating energy-hungry competition among miners.

As these energy-efficient mechanisms gain traction, the environmental impact of crypto will decrease naturally. Ethereum, one of the leading blockchain platforms, has transitioned from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, and is a powerful example of this wholesale transition.

Learn more: What is Proof-of-Stake (PoS)?

Carbon offsetting and environmental initiatives

Mirroring a broader trend in the corporate world, crypto projects are increasingly adopting carbon offsetting initiatives with the aim of neutralising their carbon emissions.

In addition, some crypto companies are using a portion of their profits to fund reforestation programs or renewable energy projects.

There are also innovative projects exploring ways to directly integrate environmental conservation into their operations.

One example of this is ‘green tokens’ tied to specific environmental goals. When users transact using these tokens, a portion of the transaction fees is allocated to fund projects that benefit the environment. 

These unique fusions of sustainability and finance demonstrate the potential of crypto to catalyse positive change.

Technology optimisations and ‘Layer 2’ solutions

Scalability is a major challenge faced by most blockchain networks, and Bitcoin is no exception. The network’s energy consumption has come under fire as it attempts to accommodate an increasing number of transactions. 

The industry is, however, responding with innovative solutions that enhance scalability and simultaneously reduce energy usage. Called ‘Layer 2 solutions’, these solutions aim to alleviate the load on the main blockchain by facilitating ‘off-chain transactions’.

These solutions enable transactions to occur more quickly using significantly lower energy requirements. Layer 2 solutions also enhance user experience by facilitating faster transactions.

What are layer 2 blockchains? Learn more about layer 2 chains.

While challenges remain, the industry’s commitment to addressing these issues signifies a genuine intent to balance innovation with responsible practice. 

The adoption of renewable energy; a shift towards energy-efficient consensus mechanisms; the integration of carbon offsetting and environmental initiatives; and the implementation of technological optimisations all point towards a greener future for crypto.

Further reading: Learn and explore all things crypto in our hub.

Disclaimer: Crypto is volatile, carries risk and the value can go up and down. Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. Please do your own research.