Bitcoin Mining Surpasses 50% Clean Energy

Bitcoin mining has reached a major milestone and uses 56.67% of its energy from renewable sources. This achievement fulfills a condition set by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Bitcoin miners have achieved a significant milestone, with over 56% of their energy now coming from renewable sources. This achievement fulfills a condition set by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who had stated that the company would begin accepting Bitcoin again once its renewable energy consumption surpassed 50%.

As a result, there is growing anticipation that Tesla will reintroduce Bitcoin as a payment method for its electric vehicles. In recent years, Bitcoin miners have made substantial progress in adopting cleaner energy sources.

Regions like Quebec, Iceland, and Texas have become attractive to miners due to their diverse renewable resources, including hydropower, geothermal, and wind energy.

Currently, hydropower leads the renewable energy generation with 23%, followed by wind energy at 5%, and solar power at 2%.

Bitcoin clean energy usage now exceeds 50%. Elon Musk previously said Tesla would once again accept Bitcoin payments when clean energy usage exceeds 50%. pic.twitter.com/KUiqnWlzEw

Bitcoin mining is estimated to consume around 127 terawatt-hours annually, but it still faces challenges regarding carbon emissions.

Despite the increase in clean energy usage, Bitcoin mining is still responsible for emitting approximately 69 million metric tons of CO₂ each year, raising major environmental concerns.

Although not renewable, nuclear energy accounts for 9% of the Bitcoin mining energy. Geothermal energy has also contributed to the push for cleaner energy in Bitcoin mining, especially in El Salvador.

However, coal still provides 22% of the energy used, marking a reduction from the 40% reported in previous years.

Bitcoin Mining Energy Sources 2023 H1

Bitcoin Mining Energy Sources 2023 H1. Source: CBECI

Bitcoin Payments at Tesla

The Bitcoin market is now awaiting Tesla's decision on whether to reintroduce Bitcoin payments.

Initially, Elon Musk suspended Bitcoin payments in May 2021 due to environmental concerns.

Now that Bitcoin miners have reached the 50% renewable energy threshold, many anticipate Tesla will begin accepting Bitcoin transactions again.

The potential return of Bitcoin payments could also be influenced by political and economic factors.

Elon Musk's relationship with President-elect Donald Trump could shape future policies in the regulation of Bitcoin and digital assets.

Additionally, Trump's support for Bitcoin has increased optimism among Bitcoin proponents regarding favorable regulatory policies.

As Bitcoin miners continue to shift towards renewable energy, some industry participants, like Riot Platforms and MARA Holdings, are ramping up their investments in sustainable energy.

Despite the increase in clean energy usage, Bitcoin mining remains a costly investment amid the global energy crisis.

Moreover, mining companies are continuing to purchase Bitcoin to strengthen their positions as operational costs rise.