Study uncovers major problem with bitcoin: 'Could slow down the actual goal'
Researchers have discovered that using bitcoin mining as a way to accelerate the move to green energy sources may not be as effective as its advocates claim.
Scientists at Witten/Herdecke University looked at how bitcoin and cryptocurrency are impacting the transition to green and renewable energy sources, according to a media release. What they found was that while cryptocurrency may help expedite the transition to renewable energy in the short term, it could hinder the transition over the long term and cause considerable environmental damage and pollution along the way.
According to the study, proponents of bitcoin mining claim that shunting surplus renewable energy that the grid doesn't need into the process of harvesting cryptocurrency will help accelerate the implementation of renewable energy by adding a higher profit margin for power companies, incentivizing them to add more green energy to their portfolios.
However, the study suggests that while the focus on renewable energy could reduce planet-warming gas pollution, it creates other major problems that won't help address environmental concerns. The cheaper energy could lead to an increase in people mining crypto, which would create more electronic waste.
On top of that, being able to shunt excess energy off into cryptomining could disincentivize companies from investing in long-term clean-energy solutions, like storage technologies, grid improvements, and better infrastructure, while also not providing enough incentive to have those companies move away from dirty forms of energy on top of the renewable ones.
"In the long term, Bitcoin mining could slow down the actual goal of the energy transition — the switch to renewable energies," says Maximilian Gill, one of the researchers on the project.
The cryptocurrency industry is currently in a boom, but scientists have continued to express serious concerns about its impact. The process of mining bitcoin and other digital currencies is incredibly energy-intensive, sucking up significant chunks of power. In Iran, illicit crypto mining has been linked to blackouts in Tehran, the nation's capital.
And in the European nation of Georgia, officials have asked residents to cease crypto operations because of the massive strain it puts on the grid.
These operations frequently rely on dirty energy sources and take resources away from citizens who need the power.
Do you think we use too much plastic in America?
Definitely
Only some people
Not really
I'm not sure
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
Cryptocurrency miners like HIVE Digital Technologies have been pushing to include more renewable energy in their operations, and countries like El Salvador have built entire green industries around their crypto efforts.
However, as this study shows, there's still plenty more to be done here to make sure bitcoin mining is done in a way that does not bring with it too many environmental downsides and risks.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Semler Scientific Investors Cheered by New Hire, Lofty Bitcoin Acquisition Goals
Semler Scientific (SMLR) has hired Joe Burnett to the newly created position of director of Bitcoin strategy. Alongside, the company — which currently holds 4,449 bitcoin worth about $462 million — announced a goal of owning at least 10,000 bitcoin by the end of this year, 42,000 by year-end 2026 and 105,000 by year-end 2027. "We are excited to have Joe join our Bitcoin strategy team and help drive our three-year-plan to own 105,000 Bitcoins," said company Chairman Eric Semler in a press release. "Joe is an analytical thought leader on Bitcoin and Bitcoin treasury companies. His expertise will be instrumental as we pursue our Bitcoin treasury strategy and aim to deliver long-term value to our stockholders." "For over seven years, [Joe] has publicly been making the case for Bitcoin as the world's most advanced form of monetary technology," the release continued. "He previously served as director of market research at Unchained, a Bitcoin-focused financial services company." Investors, for now, are applauding the news, sending SMLR higher by 14% on Friday even as bitcoin has dipped back below $104,000 and most BTC-related stocks are trading in the red. Prior to today, though, it's been a rough ride for SMLR, which remains lower by 33% year-to-date and more than 50% off its 2025 high above $80. The sharp share price decline has left the company's market capitalization at or below the value of the bitcoin on its balance sheet — thus taking off the table the ability to accretively raise money for more BTC purchases through common share sales. The hiring of Burnett and lofty BTC acquisition goals suggests Semler is likely to get creative with capital raising plans, perhaps — in similar fashion to Michael Saylor's Strategy — turning to the preferred share market.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Bitcoin Train Left the Station at $111K—Or Did It? This On-Chain Expert Says We're Still at the Platform
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Bitcoin's surge to $111,000 in late May has left many investors wondering whether they've missed the boat—or if the real gains are just getting started. According to PlanB, one of cryptocurrency's most followed analysts, we may be witnessing something unprecedented: a 'different' kind of bull market that's only just begun. Bitcoin hit a new all-time high of $111,000 at the end of last month, surpassing its previous peak of $102,000 from earlier this year. But according to PlanB's market cycle analysis, this milestone comes with a crucial timing element: we're now approximately 34 months away from Bitcoin's next halving event in 2028. Don't Miss: — no wallets, just price speculation and free paper trading to practice different strategies. Grow your IRA or 401(k) with Crypto – . PlanB uses a color-coded system to track Bitcoin's position within its four-year halving cycles, and the indicator has just turned 'orange'—signaling we're in the early phases of what could be an extended bull market. Think of these colors as a countdown timer rather than a crystal ball: orange, yellow, green, and blue represent different stages leading up to the next halving, when Bitcoin's supply growth rate gets cut in half again. 'This isn't predictive,' PlanB emphasizes. 'It's detection—telling us where we are in the cycle, not where we're going.' What makes this cycle particularly intriguing is its unconventional shape. Unlike the explosive, vertical runs of 2017 or 2020, this bull market is characterized as 'flatter and longer'—a pattern that might actually signal more sustainable, institutional-driven growth. The current market structure is based on on-chain analysis rather than PlanB's Stock-to-Flow model, focusing on actual Bitcoin network activity and holder behavior. After what PlanB calls a 'fake loop' following January 2024's ETF introductions, Bitcoin has returned to where previous bull markets typically began their major ascents. Key insight: Despite Bitcoin already reaching six figures, PlanB believes we're at the 'very beginning' of this bull cycle—a potentially explosive revelation for long-term investors. Trending: New to crypto? on Coinbase. Traditional investors often rely on the Relative Strength Index to gauge whether an asset is overbought (typically above 70) or oversold (below 30). But Bitcoin plays by different rules. While conventional assets fluctuate between RSI levels of 30-70, Bitcoin's RSI typically ranges between 40-45 and 90-95, with an average around 65. Currently sitting near 69, Bitcoin's RSI has room to run much higher before signaling genuine overextension. The math gets interesting: PlanB expects Bitcoin's RSI to climb above 80, historically associated with monthly returns of 40% or higher. If Bitcoin sustained four consecutive months of 40% gains from current levels around $104,000, the price could theoretically reach $400,000. However, there's a potential wrinkle: as traditional finance professionals enter the Bitcoin market, their conventional RSI interpretations might lead to earlier profit-taking, potentially creating a 'tighter range' than in previous cycles. Beyond technical indicators, Bitcoin's on-chain metrics tell a compelling story through 'realized price'—essentially the average cost basis of all Bitcoin holders based on when coins last moved on the blockchain. Currently, the realized prices stand at: Overall realized price: $47,000 Two-year realized price: $81,000 Five-month realized price: $96,000 With Bitcoin currently trading around $104,000—well above all these cost basis levels—and all realized prices trending upward, the data suggests strong underlying demand and holder conviction. This pattern, where Bitcoin trades above rising realized prices, has historically continued for months or even entire most striking is PlanB's long-term valuation framework. Despite Bitcoin's impressive run to six figures, he argues the cryptocurrency remains 'very undervalued' relative to its Stock-to-Flow model value of $500,000—projected as the average price for this four-year cycle based on Bitcoin's increasing scarcity. The projected price range for this cycle spans $250,000 to $1 million, with three years remaining in the current cycle. Supporting this bullish thesis is the continued divergence between Bitcoin's geometric and arithmetic 200-week moving averages—a technical pattern that has historically characterized major bull markets. For Long-term Holders: The analysis suggests patience may be rewarded, with the bulk of gains potentially still ahead despite Bitcoin's already impressive performance. For New Investors: While $104,000 might seem like a daunting entry point, the on-chain and cycle analysis suggests we may be in the early innings of a multi-year bull market. Risk Considerations: Remember that cycle-based analysis isn't foolproof. Regulatory changes, macroeconomic shifts, or unexpected technical developments could alter Bitcoin's trajectory. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results, especially at these elevated price levels. PlanB's analysis challenges the conventional wisdom that Bitcoin's move to six figures represents a cycle peak. Instead, the data suggests we may be witnessing the opening act of an unconventional but potentially powerful bull market—one that's 'flatter and longer' than previous cycles but could ultimately reach even greater heights. Whether you're a Bitcoin maximalist or a skeptical observer, the confluence of on-chain metrics, cycle positioning, and technical indicators presents a compelling case for continued attention to the world's largest cryptocurrency. Just remember: in Bitcoin, as in all investments, higher potential returns come with higher risks. Read Next: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Image: Shutterstock This article The Bitcoin Train Left the Station at $111K—Or Did It? This On-Chain Expert Says We're Still at the Platform originally appeared on Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Upturn
4 hours ago
- Business Upturn
AIXA Miner Unveils New Free Cloud Mining Platform Aligned with 2025 Green Tech and Smart Mining Goals
Denver, CO, USA, June 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a strategic move that highlights its commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, AIXA Miner has announced the launch of its upgraded free cloud mining platform, designed for a new generation of crypto users. The announcement aligns with the growing industry focus on sustainability, smart mining technologies, and secure digital asset access, making AIXA one of the first platforms to truly meet 2025's evolving mining standards. With a user base spanning over 120 countries and a strong foundation in automated mining infrastructure, AIXA Miner enables users to mine Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other top digital assets directly from the cloud — no hardware, no technical know-how required. A More Responsible Way to Mine Crypto The 2025 crypto mining landscape is shifting rapidly. Rising concerns about energy use, network security, and environmental impact have led many miners and investors to seek alternatives to traditional hardware mining. AIXA Miner is answering that call by launching a zero-cost, carbon-conscious, and technology-forward mining platform that removes entry barriers and prioritizes both profitability and planet. Key features of the new platform include: Free mining startup trial , available to all new users , available to all new users No hardware required , mining runs via AIXA's secured cloud infrastructure , mining runs via AIXA's secured cloud infrastructure Green energy-powered data centers AI-optimized mining schedules for efficiency and speed for efficiency and speed User dashboard with real-time earnings tracking Daily payouts in USDT or crypto of choice Technological Excellence Meets Everyday Usability What sets AIXA Miner apart is its ability to blend technical innovation with everyday simplicity. The platform's mining engine is backed by AI-driven algorithms and secure server farms — yet the interface is clean, user-friendly, and mobile-responsive. Users can start mining within minutes, with just an email sign-up and zero upfront investment. The platform also offers a selection of low-entry contracts for users looking to scale up at their own pace, along with a tiered referral system to encourage community growth. Sustainability Built In AIXA Miner's infrastructure includes green-compliant energy use policies and carbon-reduction initiatives, contributing to a smarter and more sustainable crypto ecosystem. This commitment not only meets the benchmarks outlined in global crypto mining sustainability frameworks for 2025, it also reflects the values of the growing number of eco-conscious digital asset users worldwide. How to Get Started Visit Sign up with your email to activate the free mining trial Choose your preferred asset and let the cloud engine begin mining Track your earnings daily and withdraw or reinvest as desired Invite others and earn referral rewards on every new user About AIXA Miner Founded in 2020, AIXA Miner is a U.S.-based cloud mining platform powered by renewable energy and artificial intelligence. With a presence in over 200 countries and regulatory certifications, the platform delivers secure, daily-yield mining services that are easy to access and designed for long-term sustainability. For more information, visit: [ Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
