Bitcoin Mining's Electricity Consumption Skyrockets by 38% Amid Shift to Low-Carbon Energy

A recent study by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance reveals that Bitcoin mining's annual electricity consumption has seen a significant increase. According to preliminary data, from June 2024 to December 2025, the annualized electricity consumption will rise from 138 TWh to approximately 190 TWh, a growth of about 38%. This surge in energy consumption also translates to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which are expected to jump from around 40 million tons of CO2 equivalent to 48 million tons, marking a rise of about 20%.

The study highlights that low-carbon energy sources have gained prominence in the mining electricity mix. As per the report, the share of low-carbon energy has increased from 52.4% to 59.4%. Notably, hydropower has surpassed natural gas as the largest single energy source used for Bitcoin mining.