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Bitcoin and Its Energy, Environmental, and Social Impacts: An Assessment of Key Research Needs in the Mining Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Murray A. Rudd

    (Satoshi Action Education, Portland, OR 97214, USA)

  • Lee Bratcher

    (Texas Blockchain Council, Richardson, TX 75081, USA)

  • Simon Collins

    (Stackr Limited, Otautahi 9610, New Zealand)

  • David Branscum

    (Rebel Mining Company, Jackson, WY 83001, USA)

  • Matthew Carson

    (Hash House Tech, Wilmington, DE 19808, USA)

  • Shaun Connell

    (Lancium Technologies Corp, The Woodlands, TX 77380, USA)

  • Elliot David

    (Sustainable Bitcoin Protocol, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA)

  • Magdalena Gronowska

    (PRTI Inc., Franklinton, NC 27525, USA)

  • Sebastien Hess

    (Block Green AG, 6343 Rotkreuz, Switzerland)

  • Austin Mitchell

    (Synota Inc., Columbus, OH 43219, USA)

  • Matt Prusak

    (US Bitcoin Corp, Austin, TX 78741, USA)

  • Kyle Schneps

    (Foundry Digital LLC., Pittsford, NY 14534, USA)

  • Maxim Serezhin

    (Standard Power, Coshocton, OH 43812, USA)

  • Scott A. Wolfe

    (Bitcoin Coalition of Canada, Toronto, ON M6H 3P2, Canada)

  • Dennis Porter

    (Satoshi Action Education, Portland, OR 97214, USA)

Abstract

In this study, we used a combination of AI-assisted analysis of social media discourse and collaboration with industry experts to delve into the key research needs associated with the Bitcoin mining industry. We identified primary threats, opportunities, and research questions related to the Bitcoin mining industry and its wider impacts, focusing on its energy use and environmental footprint. Our findings spotlight the industry’s move towards increasingly greater energy efficiency and an emerging commitment to renewable energy, highlighting its potential to contribute to the coming energy transition. We underscore the transformative potential of emerging applications in the Bitcoin mining sector, especially regarding demand response, grid flexibility, and methane mitigation. We suggest that targeted research on Bitcoin can serve policymakers, private sector decision-makers, research funding agencies, environmental scientists, and the Bitcoin industry itself. We propose that filling key information gaps could help clarify the risks and benefits of Bitcoin mining by encouraging collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders and conducting research that provides baseline peer-reviewed evidence surrounding Bitcoin’s production and impacts. A collaborative approach could help mitigate the risks and realize the benefits of Bitcoin mining, including potentially positive and substantive contributions in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Murray A. Rudd & Lee Bratcher & Simon Collins & David Branscum & Matthew Carson & Shaun Connell & Elliot David & Magdalena Gronowska & Sebastien Hess & Austin Mitchell & Matt Prusak & Kyle Schneps & M, 2023. "Bitcoin and Its Energy, Environmental, and Social Impacts: An Assessment of Key Research Needs in the Mining Sector," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-29, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:14:y:2023:i:4:p:47-:d:1287154
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Camilo Mora & Randi L. Rollins & Katie Taladay & Michael B. Kantar & Mason K. Chock & Mio Shimada & Erik C. Franklin, 2018. "Bitcoin emissions alone could push global warming above 2°C," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 8(11), pages 931-933, November.
    2. Murray A. Rudd, 2023. "Bitcoin Is Full of Surprises," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-14, May.
    3. del Río, Pablo & Burguillo, Mercedes, 2008. "Assessing the impact of renewable energy deployment on local sustainability: Towards a theoretical framework," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 12(5), pages 1325-1344, June.
    4. Juan Ignacio Ibañez & Alexander Freier, 2023. "Bitcoin’s Carbon Footprint Revisited: Proof of Work Mining for Renewable Energy Expansion," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-21, August.
    5. Fthenakis, Vasilis & Kim, Hyung Chul, 2009. "Land use and electricity generation: A life-cycle analysis," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(6-7), pages 1465-1474, August.
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