Category Archives: Cryptocurrency
Is Bitcoin Mining Profitable In 2024? Forbes Advisor INDIA – Forbes
The combination of rising energy prices and falling cryptocurrency prices has made it much more difficult to turn a profit mining Bitcoin (BTC). The year 2023, BTC witnessed a recovery after a series of unpredictable events such as FTC fall, Terra Luna crash, macroeconomic conditions and Binance guilty plea.
BTC rose an average of 0.39 in the month of July, 2023 and it showed immense recovery in the last months of the year, trading at around $38,000. As of Feb. 13, 2024, BTC hit the level of $50,107 for the first time since Dec. 2021 with a market capitalization of $982.72 billion.
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Bitcoin mining is the process by which Bitcoin is verified and recorded on the blockchain.
Bitcoin miners use powerful computers to complete complex mathematical functions called hashes. The processing power required to mine Bitcoin is extremely high, but Bitcoin miners receive 6.25 BTC in reward, roughly $143,000, for mining each block of transactions in the blockchain.
While anyone can technically mine Bitcoins, most Bitcoin mining is done by companies running large-scale commercial mining setups featuring data centers with specialized servers.
These mining farms are often built near affordable energy sources, such as hydroelectric dams, oil and gas wells or solar energy farms.
Aspects of the Bitcoin mining business are similar to mining physical assets, like gold or silver. The higher asset prices rise, the more profitable mining becomes and the less efficient miners need to be to make money.
However, Chris Kline, co-founder and chief operating officer of Bitcoin IRA, notes that there are several factors to consider when it comes to Bitcoin mining profitability other than the price of Bitcoin itself.
Alongside price, crypto mining profitability can be determined by a few different factors, notably rising electricity rates and increasing gas and energy prices, coupled with rising transactional prices, Kline says.
Bitcoin mining requires nearly 139 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity per year, which is more than the annual energy consumption of Norway. The more expensive that electricity gets, the fewer profits miners can make.
Despite the pressures of rising electricity prices and falling Bitcoin prices, there are at least a couple of trends that are moving in the right direction for Bitcoin miners.
The price of Bitcoin mining equipment is a major factor in profitability. The prices of top and mid-tier application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) miners, the specialized chips made for Bitcoin mining, are reportedly down roughly 70% from their all-time highs in 2022 when units sold for around $10,000 to $18,000.
GPU costs are rapidly decreasing, which translates to higher mining profitability, Kline says.
In addition, Andy Long, CEO of cryptocurrency miner White Rock Management, says lower Bitcoin prices result in less efficient miners shutting down operations as they start to lose money. On the flip side, fewer total miners mean more efficient miners begin to earn more Bitcoin as prices fall.
The genius of the system is that the difficulty mechanism automatically keeps block production running, with a new block every 10 minutes on average. So at lower prices, some miners will throw in the towel. But there will always be efficient miners with high-performance equipment that will keep securing the network, Long says.
To mine Bitcoins, all the computers connected to the Bitcoin network are making millions of attempts at completing hashes every second of the day. A hashrate measures how many calculations can be performed per second, and this measurement can be by the billions, trillions, quadrillions, and even quintillions. One terahash, for instance, equals 1 trillion hashes per second.
The profitability of Bitcoin mining is quantified as hash price, measured in dollars per terahash (TH) per second in the last 24 hours. If you string that all together, the acronym for that measurement is USD/TH per second per day.
The calculation of hash price includes variables such as network difficulty, Bitcoins price, Bitcoins block subsidy and transaction fees.
Bitcoins profitability peaked at around $3.39/TH per second during the crypto market boom in December 2017.
Bitcoins hash price was as high as $0.412/TH per second in late October 2021. While the profitability of Bitcoin mining has dropped, total mining activity remains near all-time highs.
The networks hashrate is currently around 520.0 million TH per second, up from 7 6.5 million TH per second in early August 2017.
As the profitability of Bitcoin mining dropped in 2022, top crypto miners share prices have also fallen. Fortunately, Canaccord Genuity analyst Joseph Vafi says the most efficient Bitcoin miners are still turning a significant profit on their rigs.
Most of the leading mining companies in our coverage have a relatively new fleet which can remain profitable at a much lower BTC price than current levels, as evidenced by a breakeven price of $7,000 to $9,000 for a majority of them for incremental hashrate output, Vafi says.
Vafis top Bitcoin mining stock picks include Argo Blockchain (ARBK), HIVE Blockchain Technologies (HIVE), Hut 8 Mining (HUT) and Iris Energy (IREN).
Overall, despite the sharp pullback in BTC spot price, the mining model remains highly profitable for most of the leading miners, Vafi says.
Canaccord Genuity has outperform ratings for each of the four mining stocks mentioned.
Other large public Bitcoin miners include Marathon Digital (MARA), Riot Blockchain (RIOT), Canaan (CAN), and Bitfarms (BITF).
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There are several variables involved in calculating Bitcoin mining profitability.
While many of those variables have taken a turn for the worse during 2022s crypto winter, the downturn has helped purge the market of the least efficient miners and allowed the leaders of the pack to increase their market share in anticipation of what they hope will be the next cyclical upswing in crypto prices and crypto mining profitability in coming years.
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Is Bitcoin Mining Profitable In 2024? Forbes Advisor INDIA - Forbes
‘Major line in the sand’: Analyst names next BTC levels to watch – Finbold – Finance in Bold
Bitcoin (BTC) continues to exhibit bullish sentiment, maintaining its position above the $50,000 mark as the market anticipates a possible push toward a new record high. Despite the optimistic market conditions, uncertainty over the digital assets next move still looms.
In this line, cryptocurrency trading expert Gareth Soloway, during an interview with David Lin published on February 18, suggested that Bitcoin can potentially experience a drop, drawing parallels with the stock market.
According to Soloway, amid the bullish conditions, Bitcoin could retest the $30,000 mark if the stock market undergoes a correction ranging between 20% to 30%. He considers this potential new Bitcoin position a line in the sand and views it as an accumulation opportunity.
This perspective aligns with Soloways broader thesis that Bitcoin tends to behave as a risk asset and could naturally undergo sell-offs during periods of broader market decline.
My major line in the sand is that $30,000 to $32,000 level, so if we can retrace there Ill start accumulating pretty heavily. <> My thesis is that if we see a 20-30 % correction in the stock market, then have to talk about Bitcoin possibly coming back to $30,000 to $32,000, he said.
Additionally, while highlighting the frothiness in the market, Soloway drew parallels between the current sentiment on social media and the behavior seen during the previous Bitcoin market top at $69,000.
He expressed concern about a prevailing attitude reminiscent of stock market bubbles, where speculative behavior leads to an assumption that any investment choice is a winning one.
At the same time, while anticipating a price pullback, Soloway dismissed the possibility of Bitcoin reclaiming its last record high of almost $69,000 before any potential correction. However, he acknowledged the existence of fundamental, long-term reasons to be bullish on Bitcoin.
Furthermore, the expert commented on the drivers behind the recent Bitcoin rally. Despite the recent surge, Soloway believes the rally is no longer solely driven by the spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) or the upcoming halving.
Instead, he pointed to broader market dynamics, emphasizing the role of money and risk assets in propelling Bitcoins recent gains.
Its worth noting that Soloway joins other market players who believe that Bitcoin has the potential to correct. For instance, as reported by Finbold, crypto trading expert Alan Santana suggested that based on recent technical indicators, Bitcoin faces a possible fast, sudden, and strong drop.
By press time, Bitcoin was trading at $51,669, reflecting a daily gain of nearly 1%. The maiden cryptocurrency has surged by almost 8% on the weekly chart.
In technical analysis, Bitcoin is currently dominated by bullish sentiments. A summary of the one-day gauges retrieved from TradingView aligns with the buy signal at 10. Moving averages signal a strong buy at 13, while oscillators recommend a neutral stance at 9.
In the meantime, Bitcoin bulls hope the asset maintains its valuation above the $50,000 mark, as its crucial to helping the cryptocurrency mount a new all-time high.
Disclaimer:The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.
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'Major line in the sand': Analyst names next BTC levels to watch - Finbold - Finance in Bold
Bitcoin Miner Stock Gains Surpass Bitcoin. The Halving May Change That. – Investopedia
Key Takeaways
Bitcoin miner stocks are outpacing the price of Bitcoin, which hit its highest level since 2021 as the cryptocurrency goes mainstream with the recent approval of a Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF).
Those gains, however, may not stick for some miners with the four-year halvingwhen the reward miners get for mining gets cut in half to ensure Bitcoin's scarcityhappening in April. The halving results in the number of new coins created getting cut by 50%, and the rewards for miners being cut in half.
The fall in revenue could to some extent be compensated by rising Bitcoin prices resulting from the lower supply of new coins. But companies with less efficient machines and operations may have a harder time.
Miners with higher electricity costs or lower-efficiency machines "will have a difficult time mining profitably post-halving," Luxor Technology Chief Operating Officer Ethan Vera said. Luxor provides services and products for the mining industry. "Many companies are stuck in power contracts, or benefit from top line gross revenue and as such might continue to mine despite not being profitable. Companies' balance sheets will determine how long they can survive doing that."
The halving comes amid renewed interest in Bitcoin after the Securities and Exchange Commission approved 11 Bitcoin ETF applications in January, paving the way for investors to access the alternative asset more easily.
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Cantor Fitzgerald analyzed 13 Bitcoin miners in January and found that at the then price of Bitcoin at $40,000, only two miners, CleanSpark (CLSK) and Bitdeer (BTDR), would be able to profit from mining. But at above $50,000 now, more miners would be profitable. The ones facing the highest costs were Hut 8 (HUT) and Argo Blockchain (ARBK). It costs them $60,360 and $62,276, respectively, to mine each coin.
Hut 8 and Argo Blockchain did not respond to requests for comment.
Riot Platforms (RIOT) said it has positioned itself as one of the "lowest cost miners" ahead of the halving. It has the third-lowest cost at nearly $44,000 per coin, according to Cantor Fitzgerald.
"Riot also intends to leverage our ability to obtain Bitcoin at a significant discount to its current market price by retaining a greater proportion of our monthly Bitcoin production in the near term," the company said in a January statement. "This is made possible by our strong liquidity profile, and will further cement our position as one of the largest holders of Bitcoin.
Cantor Fitzgerald
Marathon Digital (MARA) is preparing for the halving with plenty of cash on hand.
"We need to be resilient," Chief Executive Officer Fred Thiel said in a video last month. "If the price of Bitcoin let's just say it drops to $30,000 at the time of the halving, not many miners are going to be able to operate profitably and how many miners have enough cash on the balance sheet to be able to survive six to 12 months, maybe 24 months before it becomes profitable to mine again when Bitcoin has moved back up?"
Marathon's cost per coin is $50,559, making it profitable by a hair at today's price.
Bitcoin miner CleanSpark, which according to Cantor Fitzgerald is profitable with a cost of nearly $37,000 per coin, expects some 30% of machines currently hashing to be forced to unplug, according to Executive Chair Matthew Schultz. That's an opportunity for growth.
"Were aggressively seeking opportunities for M&A" to buy facilities and infrastructure, Schultz said.
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Bitcoin Miner Stock Gains Surpass Bitcoin. The Halving May Change That. - Investopedia
Solana Price Prediction as 3rd Most Traded Cryptocurrency in the World Can SOL Reach $1,000 in 2024? – Cryptonews
Last updated: February 18, 2024 04:57 EST | 3 min read
Solana (SOL) recently clinching the title of the 3rd most traded cryptocurrency globally with its current valuation at $108.79, despite a modest 24-hour dip of 0.84%, SOLs market dynamics paint a picture of resilience and growth potential.
Nestled at the 5th spot on CoinMarketCap with a market capitalization nearing $47.95 billion, and a circulating supply of 440.7 million coins, Solanas journey is marked by robust technological foundations and a vibrant ecosystem.
This backdrop sets the stage for speculation on whether SOL can scale the lofty heights of $1,000 in the coming year, a milestone that would redefine its market stature and investor perception.
The technical landscape for Solana is defined by several pivotal price points. The current pivot point stands at $109.73, serving as a baseline for potential price movements.
Immediate resistance is observed at $113.40, followed by subsequent resistance levels at $117.39 and $121.97.
On the downside, immediate support is found at $105.73, with further cushions at $102.25 and $99, indicating potential areas for price stabilization or reversal.
Upon closer examination, Solana exhibits a promising trend as it teeters on the 50 EMA line at $109.55. This crucial point suggests a potential bullish crossover, which, if achieved, could signal the start of a buying trend. Furthermore, the RSI underscores this optimistic outlook, despite remaining below the 50 mark for the time being.
Considering the confluence of technical indicators and key price levels, the overall trend for Solana appears bullish above the pivot point of $109.73. Should the asset maintain its trajectory above this threshold, it could further validate the bullish sentiment prevalent among investors and traders alike.
In the short term, market participants should closely monitor Solanas interaction with its immediate resistance and support levels.
The assets ability to breach the $113.40 resistance could pave the way for testing higher resistance levels in the near future.
Conversely, sustaining above the immediate support at $105.73 remains crucial for maintaining the current bullish outlook.
$SMOGtokenomics is setting the stage for whats being hailed as the most monumental airdrop ever, uniquely distributed on the Solana blockchain. With 50% of its supply earmarked for marketing initiatives and 35% dedicated to rewarding its community through an unprecedented airdrop, $SMOG is generating palpable excitement.
A strategic allocation sees 10% reserved for Centralized Exchange (CEX) launches and the remaining 5% for bolstering liquidity in anticipation of its Decentralized Exchange (DEX) debut.
The roadmap delineates a captivating journey, starting with foundational steps like website development and token deployment, to ambitious goals like achieving social dominance and crowning itself as the SOL King.
Each phase is meticulously crafted to enhance community engagement and expand $SMOGs footprint across the digital landscape.
Dont miss out, buy or stake $SMOG, and prepare to embark on a journey that promises not just rewards but a chance to be at the forefront of cryptocurrency innovation.
Cryptocurrency thrives in China against odds, report says – Cointelegraph
Crypto enthusiasts in China are more willing to invest heavily in cryptocurrency than their counterparts in Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
This is according to a December 2023 report by Vietnamese venture capital firm Kyros Ventures, with the assistance of 10 media agencies from China, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. In the 5,268-participant survey, more than 70% of participants said cryptocurrencies accounted for more than half of their asset portfolio.
However, 33.3% of Chinese investors hold a large amount of stablecoins, placing them in second place to Vietnam, with 58.6% of its investors holding stablecoins. Except for Vietnam and China, most investors in other countries have reduced their holdings in stablecoins, indicating that they are more risk-averse with investments in crypto assets.
China is officially one of the worlds most challenging jurisdictions for cryptocurrencies. Beijingbanned crypto trading in 2021, and authorities have detained, fined and jailed people working in the sector.
Despite the government agencies ban, the majority of investors in China choose to trade on centralized crypto exchanges (CEXs), according to the report. Thailand, in particular, has the lowest rate of stablecoin holders, at only 22%. However, China is set to amend its Anti-Money Laundering regulations to include cryptocurrency-related transactions.
According to the report, throughout 2023, self-research, crypto news, an community groups and key opinion leaders (KOLs) were the three main information channels preferred by many investors in the five countries. News media are preferred by more than 70% of Thai and Chinese investors.
Related: Chinas most valuable company pivoting to AI as gaming profits falter
By the end of 2023, the regulatory landscape for the cryptocurrency industry in Asia had seen significant developments with growing momentum. Hong Kong, in particular, has been at the forefront of efforts to establish itself as a hub for crypto and Web3 innovation. Hong Kong issued its first cryptocurrency exchange licenses in 2023.
South Korea passed new legislation last year to protect cryptocurrency users, increase transaction transparency, and promote market discipline. South Koreas National Pension Service has shown a positive outlook on the cryptocurrency industry by acquiring Coinbase shares valued at $19.9 million.
Meanwhile, Taiwans principal financial regulator, the Financial Supervisory Commission, considered allowing crypto exchange-traded fundsin the country but only after analyzing the products development in other markets worldwide.
Magazine: How to protect your crypto in a volatile market: Bitcoin OGs and experts weigh in
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Cryptocurrency thrives in China against odds, report says - Cointelegraph
Cryptocurrency: Top 3 Coins To Watch In February 2024 – Watcher Guru
The cryptocurrency market started off to a good start early this year with Bitcoin touching $48,000 in January. Ethereum reached close to $2,700 leading to believe that the cryptocurrency markets could ignite a rally. Additionally, the SEC approved the Bitcoin ETF making the cryptocurrency markets attract fresh investments from trillion dollars worth of financial institutions. Therefore, the cryptocurrency sector entered the year on its best foot making investors hopeful of a price jump.
Also Read: Shiba Inu Unlikely To Hit $1
In this article, we will highlight if these developments could make the cryptocurrency markets enter a bull run in February 2024. Here are the top 3 cryptocurrencies you need to watch out for this month that might generate profits in February 2024.
The king cryptocurrency slipped from $48,000 to $42,000 but is holding on to its resistance level. Bitcoin fared better in the charts when the US stock market was on a slippery slope due to the Red Sea crisis in mid-January. BTC could have another leg-up when the financial institutions take another entry position in the cryptocurrency. It is advised to pull out your investments once Bitcoin climbs around the $45,000 level and book profits.
Also Read: Dogecoin: You Could Have Had $13 Million With Just $8k in DOGE
Ethereum moves in tandem with Bitcoin and could deliver equal returns to that of BTC. Historically, BTC and ETH have performed well in February, and 2024 could repeat the feat. The cryptocurrency market is firmly placed breaking new resistance levels each week. Therefore, ETH could spike in price this month and it is advised to initiate profit bookings when it climbs up the charts.
Also Read: US Stock Market: Tesla Will Crash To $23, Analyst Warns
The leading meme currency is currently trading with five zeroes and has more chances of deleting a zero this month. The Shibarium layer-2 network could burn a series of SHIB tokens that could propel its price in the indices. However, an upward trajectory might not last long as SHIB could head south after the burns. It is advised to sell the token when it reaches four zeroes and jump ship.
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Cryptocurrency: Top 3 Coins To Watch In February 2024 - Watcher Guru
Is Cryptocurrency Like Stocks and Bonds? Courts Move Closer to an Answer. – The New York Times
For more than a decade, the pioneers of the cryptocurrency industry envisioned digital coins as an alternate branch of finance, a renegade sector that would operate outside the reach of big banks and government regulators.
But as digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ether became more mainstream, the crypto industry collided with a 1946 Supreme Court decision that created what is known as the Howey Test, a legal analysis that determines when a financial product becomes subject to the same strict rules as stocks and bonds.
In recent years, regulators have seized on that legal precedent to argue that cryptocurrencies are just another security, like shares of Apple or General Motors. The crypto industry has fought back, leaving it in a legal gray zone with an uncertain future in the United States.
Now the long-running dispute is edging closer to a resolution, as federal judges begin weighing in on a series of lawsuits by the nations top securities regulator against some of the largest crypto firms. This month, judges held hearings in two of the most consequential cases, which could dictate whether the multitrillion-dollar crypto industry can continue growing in the United States.
The legal battles are an existential issue for crypto, said Hilary Allen, a professor at American University who specializes in financial regulation.
The court fights intensified over the last 18 months, as the Securities and Exchange Commission brought enforcement lawsuits claiming that crypto companies were operating as unregulated securities businesses. In response, the industry argued that laws governing Wall Street trading shouldnt apply to digital currencies. Both sides scored early court victories that left the matter unsettled.
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Is Cryptocurrency Like Stocks and Bonds? Courts Move Closer to an Answer. - The New York Times
City of West Hollywood is Getting the Word Out About Cryptocurrency Fraud and Scams | News – City of West Hollywood
The City of West Hollywood is launching an effort to help inform community members about how to protect themselves from cryptocurrency fraud and scams. Cryptocurrency is digital currency acquired through an app on a phone, a website, or at a cryptocurrency Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Bitcoin and Ether are some of the most well-known cryptocurrencies, but there are many others. Scammers may use cryptocurrencies because they do not have the same legal protections as credit cards or debit cards, and payments usually cannot be reversed.
Here are some tips to avoid cryptocurrency scams:
The State of California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has announced the launch of a Crypto Scam Tracker to help Californians spot and avoid crypto scams. The tracker details apparent crypto scams identified through a review of complaints submitted by the public and allows California consumers and investors to do their own research and prevent harm to themselves and others. The site features a database that is searchable by company name, scam type, or keywords to learn more about the crypto-specific complaints the DFPI has received. An accompanyingglossary aims to help consumers better understand common scams. As reports of new crypto scams emerge, the DFPI will continually update this tracker to promptly alert and protect the public.
For community members who believe they have been a victim of a scam or fraud, or hear about a scam that is currently not listed on the Scam Tracker, please notify the DFPI immediately by filing a complaint with the DFPI online at https://dfpi.ca.gov/submit-a-complaint or by calling toll-free: (866) 275-2677.
For more information, please contact Anita Shandi, the City of West Hollywoods Public Safety Manager at (323) 848-6446 or at ashandi@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.
For up-to-date information about City of West Hollywood news and events, follow @wehocity on social media, sign-up for news updates at http://www.weho.org/email, and visit the Citys calendar of meetings and events at http://www.weho.org/calendar. West Hollywood City Hall is open for walk-in services at public counters or by appointment by visiting http://www.weho.org/appointments. City Hall services are accessible by phone at (323) 848-6400 and via website at http://www.weho.org. Receive text updates by texting WeHo to (323) 848-5000.
For reporters and members of the media seeking additional information about the City of West Hollywood, please contact the City of West Hollywoods Public Information Officer, Sheri A. Lunn, at (323) 848-6391 or slunn@weho.org.
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City of West Hollywood is Getting the Word Out About Cryptocurrency Fraud and Scams | News - City of West Hollywood
The Crossroads of Cryptocurrency: El Salvador’s Presidential Election and the Fate of Bitcoin – Medium
In 2019, Nayib Bukeles ascendancy to the presidency marked a new chapter for El Salvador, not just politically but also in its financial ethos. His administration took a bold leap into uncharted waters by making Bitcoin legal tender in September 2021, positioning El Salvador as a global vanguard in the embrace of digital currency. This decision was more than a policy change; it was a statement of innovation and independence, aiming to reshape the nations economic landscape.
The legalization of Bitcoin brought El Salvador to the forefront of a global discussion, challenging traditional financial paradigms and signaling a new era of economic strategy. Despite facing criticism and skepticism, especially amidst the volatile nature of Bitcoins value, the countrys investment in the cryptocurrency has seen favorable turns, with significant gains that have bolstered the national economy.
The upcoming presidential election is a watershed moment for El Salvadors Bitcoin journey. Nayib Bukeles potential re-election carries with it a reaffirmation of his governments commitment to Bitcoin. This political milestone is not just about maintaining the status quo but is indicative of a deeper, more sustained investment in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The governments unwavering support for Bitcoin, despite international pressure to retract, showcases a vision that transcends immediate economic gains, aiming for long-term transformation and stability.
El Salvadors adoption of Bitcoin has catalyzed a series of developments within its borders and beyond. The introduction of Bitcoin has spurred international interest, boosted tourism, and attracted foreign investment, with the innovative prospect of acquiring citizenship through Bitcoin investments. The move towards mining Bitcoin using geothermal energy reflects a commitment to sustainable and green economic practices, aligning with global environmental concerns while fostering job creation and technological advancement.
The ambitious Bitcoin City project epitomizes the governments vision for a future where Bitcoin is ingrained in the fabric of Salvadoran society. This initiative is not just about creating a hub for cryptocurrency; its about building an ecosystem that supports a wide array of opportunities in software development, blockchain engineering, and beyond. Its a testament to the belief in Bitcoins potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and independence.
El Salvadors bold move has not gone unnoticed, inspiring other nations to consider the possibilities of Bitcoin. While challenges remain, such as the need for widespread internet access to fully harness the benefits of digital currency, the countrys efforts to promote Bitcoins adoption internationally underscore its commitment to not just being a participant but a leader in the global digital economy.
El Salvador stands at a crossroads, with its upcoming presidential election serving as a crucial referendum on its Bitcoin experiment. The journey thus far has been marked by both achievements and challenges, but the foundation has been laid for a future where Bitcoin could play a central role in shaping the nations destiny. As the world watches, El Salvadors continued embrace of Bitcoin could offer valuable insights and lessons for countries navigating the complex interplay of technology, economy, and governance in the digital age.
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The Crossroads of Cryptocurrency: El Salvador's Presidential Election and the Fate of Bitcoin - Medium
U.S. Energy Information Administration Announces It Will Require Cryptocurrency Mining Companies to Report Their … – Earthjustice
Washington, D.C.
Today the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) announced that it is initiating a provisional survey of electricity consumption from cryptocurrency mining companies in the United States.
Cryptocurrency mining expanded rapidly in the U.S. following Chinas ban on cryptocurrency mining in 2021. By 2023, estimates indicate that nearly 38% of cryptocurrency mining in the world occurred in the U.S., making it the top country for cryptocurrency mining in the world. The growth of cryptocurrency mining threatens to keep polluting coal-and gas-fired power plants active, strains the grid, and can raise electricity rates for American families.
Mandy DeRoche, Deputy Managing Attorney of the Clean Energy Program at Earthjustice, issued the following statement:
Until now, proof-of-work cryptocurrency mining has been largely invisible to U.S. regulators with little-to-no reporting requirements.The massive energy consumption of cryptocurrency mining and its rapid growth in the United States threaten to undermine progress towards achieving climate goals, and threaten grids, communities, and ratepayers.
We are encouraged by the EIAs actions to collect information on this hugely energy-intensive industry, which has grown so substantially in the United States in just the past couple of years and for which there is so little publicly-available information. Many organizations and individuals have attempted to gather this information but have been unable to do so. Requiring cryptocurrency mining operations to report their energy use is a turning point for this industry that has thrived in the shadows. The data on cryptocurrencys energy use is crucial for grid operators, state and federal regulators and communities who host these problematic facilities. We look forward to next steps from the EIA after this provisional step.
In November and December 2022, Earthjustice, in partnership with many other organizations, submitted comments to the U.S. Energy Information Administration about the negative climate and environmental impacts of cryptocurrency mining requesting that the agencies collect data about cryptocurrencys energy consumption.
In September 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released a report about the industrys climate threats and the need for regulation. Earthjustice and the Sierra Club released a guidebook, The Energy Bomb finding that in one year from mid-2021 to mid-2022, Bitcoin mining in the U.S. alone consumed as much electricity as four states combined, emitting 27.4 million tons of CO2 equivalent to the emissions of as much as 6 million cars annually.
The massive energy consumption of cryptocurrency mining threatens to undermine decades of progress toward achieving climate goals and reducing local pollution. In addition, cryptocurrency mining practices raise costs and risks for utilities and their ratepayers, can stress electric grids, and flood communities with noise.
Rather than investing in long-term energy infrastructure that benefits the grid, the cryptocurrency mining industry seeks the cheapest available energy that can serve its needs. In practice, that translates to mining cryptocurrency at and near coal and gas plants and tapping into power grids that are often fossil-fuel heavy.
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U.S. Energy Information Administration Announces It Will Require Cryptocurrency Mining Companies to Report Their ... - Earthjustice