Hydropower Takes Top Spot in Bitcoin Mining Energy Mix
Bitcoin mining's energy mix has undergone a significant shift in recent years. According to data from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, hydropower has surpassed natural gas as the single largest energy source powering the Bitcoin network.
This marks a milestone that would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago. The growth of low-carbon energy sources in Bitcoin mining is evident, with 59.4% of the total energy mix now comprised of such sources, up from 52.4% as previously reported by CCAF in April 2025.
The numbers behind this shift are striking. Electricity consumption for Bitcoin mining surged by an estimated 38% over the 18-month period from June 2024 to December 2025, with annual consumption now sitting at approximately 190 terawatt-hours (TWh).
Notably, despite the dramatic rise in power usage, total emissions from Bitcoin mining only increased by about 20% during the same period.