Bitcoin Power Use Jumps as Miners Switch to Greener Energy Mix

Bitcoin mining's electricity consumption has increased by an estimated 38% in the past 18 months, according to preliminary research from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance. This growth outpaced the rise in associated greenhouse-gas emissions as miners drew a larger share of their power from low-carbon sources.

The network consumed about 190 terawatt-hours of electricity on an annualized basis in December, up from 138 TWh in June 2024. Estimated emissions rose by a smaller 20%, from about 40 million metric tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent to 48 million tons.

Low-carbon sources increased to 59.4% from 52.4%, with hydropower overtaking natural gas as the largest single source. The findings complicate both sides of the debate over Bitcoin's environmental footprint, as mining is consuming more electricity while each unit of power comes from a less carbon-intensive mix.